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Very Fine 1944 9mm Walther P38:
Guns International #: 101576543 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Military Pistols - German - Walther Pistols
Seller's Information
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Seller: James Carr's Antique Guns and Collectibles
Member Since: 3/8/15
First Name: James
Last Name: Carr
State: Colorado
Zip: 81403
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 431-3159
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 25
Total Number of Listings: 148
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Zelle, money orders or checks with cleared funds
Description:
Very Fine 1944 9mm Walther P38:
The P-38 is considered the first modern combat handgun. The design was developed in the 1930’s by the Walther arms group then located in Thuringen, Germany. The pistol was the first double action combat handgun. It had a de-cocker, firing pin block, and a loaded chamber indicator, so it was safe to carry the pistol with a chambered round and the hammer down. British special forces often used captured P-38s due to their reliability.
The gun was manufactured during WWII variously by Walther, Mauser and the Spreework factory in Spandau, Berlin. As the weapon was regarded as the most advanced handgun of WWII, many American soldiers took one home as a war souvenir. Of the three manufacturers, Walther was regarded as the most prized because of superior craftsmanship and fit. After the war, numerous P-38s made by Mauser and Spreework which had been captured by the Russians were sold internationally (normally with an import stamp added to the weapon). Many of these were refinished from their original state or were assembled from parts of a number of guns.
This example bears the stamp on the slide “3281 e ac 44”. This indicates that the gun was manufactured at the Walther plant in 1944 and was given the serial number of “3281” for that calendar year. From archival manufacturing records compiled at P38forum the “e” following the serial number indicates the gun was produced in May of 1944 at the Walther factory.
The entire “3281 e” is stamped on the frame slide and under the front of the barrel. Accordingly, the gun is “number consistent” and is complete and original in all components. The reverse of the slide bears a “359”, Nazi eagle and further “359”. From the proofhouse compilation of German ordinance codes, we know that the “359”’ stamps were the Heerswaffenamt inspector’s proof and approval marks for arms being produced during WWII by Walther, in Zella-Mehlis, Germany. These same markings appear on the left side of the gun, on the left face of the receiver (along with a P38 stamp). And just above the trigger.
The gun is in very fine condition both in and out, with no blemishes other than some minor holster wear on the grips with a tiny chip on the bottom of the left grip . It was test fired by me years ago and then found fully functional. This is a very handsome well preserved piece that should be a welcome addition to any collection. For whatever it is worth, the gentleman who sold me this gun years ago told me that it was a bring back by a Scotsman who served in the British commandos. I have no verification of this but if the fellow spoke true it makes for an interesting story.
To complete this piece, I have included an original P-38 magazine.
If you possess a current C&R license I can ship directly to you. Otherwise this will need to go through the FFL you choose in your locale, and shipping will be in such manner as UPS requires. I will pack the gun securely, but the cost of shipping will be an add on to the purchase price. I do not ship outside the Continental usa and do not accept payment by credit cards or Pay Pal.
Price: $900, plus actual costs of shipping by UPS
Terms of Sale:
2. If a purchaser’s state, county, or city requires a permit for purchase, the purchaser must comply and copy documentation of compliance with payment. No firearms are sold to minors (as “minor” is defined by the law of the recipient’s state).
3. This firearm is sold as a collector's item only. The seller assumes no liability, expressed or implied, as to the shooting capacity, safety or accuracy of the item listed for sale. If you do plan to shoot this gun I would suggest, as with any such antique gun, that you use only ammunition with suitable fps pressures, and have a competent gunsmith examine the gun before firing.
4. A three-day right of inspection will apply to any gun sold, consistent with the standard terms detailed for buyers and sellers by Guns International.
5. The seller is just an old guy liquidating his collection and is neither a gun dealer or purports to be an “expert” in firearms. Any comments concerning the subject item for sale are matters based upon my personal observation, research and past experience with antique firearms.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes