GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
RARE AND IMPORTANT EARLY WALTHER P.38 PROTOTYPE PISTOL. WALTHER HP-38 2A 9MM MODERN; C&R; IMPORT Cal. 9mm. Early Walther P.38 prototype with heavy slide, internal extractor, rectangular firing pin, anvil hammer, and broad trigger. Assembled following the AP series and prior to standard P.38 production. This proofed but originally unnumbered example has a 5" bbl, with drift adjustable front sight, whose lug extension has been internally lightened. The left side of the slide is marked with Walther banner and "P 38". Internal extractor and narrow rear sight. Eagle/359 proof is on the slide and coverplate on the housing for the squared firing pin. The proofing is then repeated on the left side of the anvil hammer, the left side checkered disassembly lever and the left side of the frame that has been fitted with an unusual trigger whose left side presents a broader than usual profile to act as a trigger stop. For purpose of importation, the gun was marked "2A" on the left side of the frame. Early black plastic checkered grips, each panel molded with four encircled codes. "P.38" marked unnumbered magazine with two Eagle/359s on spine. This gun is featured on p. 1050 of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess' "The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols", and is an important early prototype in the development of the P.38. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess; Ex-Visser Collection; The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Excellent retaining 98% orig bright blue. Grips are excellent with only a few scuffs and dings in the gloss finish. Mag retains over 95% blue. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. 51568-7 LMA (25,000-35,000)