GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
IMPORTANT WALTHER P.38 PROTOTYPE PISTOL, "0" SERIES WITH LETTER SUFFIX. WALTHER P-38 018A 9MM MODERN; C&R Cal. 9mm. A few early development stage pistols were marked with a lower case letter "a" suffixed to the SN by hand after the guns were assembled. This was used to indicate that the gun had been further modified. It was Buxton's opinion that the "a" suffixed developmental pistols had their modifications directed to the safety and firing systems, particularly as related to the retractable firing pin. This particular pistol is a later prototype with heavy slide, internal extractor, and rectangular firing pin. By this time the hammer had transitioned to the standard form though the 5" bbl still has the early, lightened lug extension. The left side of the slide is marked with Walther banner and "P 38" followed by the SN "018a". The right side of the slide has two" Eagle/359" acceptance marks along with a "Crown/N". Internal extractor and narrow rear sight. The "Eagle/359" proof is on the left side of the frame just behind the dismounting lever. The full SN "018A" appears on the left side of the frame, under the bbl, and under the locking lug with the abbreviated "18" on the top of the sight, transfer bar, take-down lever, slide release, and mag release. Early black plastic checkered grips, each panel numbered "18" and accepted with an "Eagle/359". Mag is from a later gun, having a matte finished body, with "060" marked on the left side and "Eagle/359" on the lower spine. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton; Pictured in Warren Buxton's book "The P.38 Pistol, Volume III" pg 201. CONDITION: Approximately 97-98% bright orig blue, with two dings on the left side of the muzzle and sharp edge wear in the usual places as expected from careful handling. Excellent orig grips with crisp checkering and comparable condition mag. A wonderful early experimental P.38 that would grace the most advanced collection. 51568-5 LMA (20,000-30,000)