December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
G43 assembled at the Walther arsenal in 1945 from a previously rejected K43 receiver. Due to Germany's dire situation in 1945, Walther began to recycle "cosmetically" machined Type I receivers, which had previously been deemed unsuitable for use either due to being out of tolerance or exhibiting defective scope rails. These receivers, having already been stamped "G.43", were additionally stamped "K 43", though this additional "K 43" stamping proved to be short lived, as less and less attention to detail was given in favor of meeting production quotas for the war effort. This is example is stamped with an eagle firing proof followed by "K 43", "ac/45", "G.43", the serial number "1742", as well as a Walther "(Eagle) / 359" waffenamt on the left side of the receiver, with some characters partially obscured beneath the wood line, as is typical with this variation. Later straight tapered barrel bears a Hagener Gubstahlwerke "dtk" manufacturer code, followed by the "48,44" indicating manufacture in 1944. Stock bears a single "(Eagle)/ 359" on the left side of the butt, underside of the butt, as well as on the bottom of the wrist. Metal components exhibit a mixture of blued and phosphate finishes, with the receiver being mounted within a laminated beechwood stock. All numbers are matching and include the receiver, bolt carrier, and bolt assembly (including the flaps and firing pin which are properly matching via an electro-penciled inscription). Stock, handguard, and trigger guard are unnumbered, as was standard during Walther K43 production in 1945. Rifle is mounted with a D&C marked brown leather sling and is accompanied by 1 spare magazine. CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their original arsenal applied blue and phosphate finish, exhibiting some marks and mild wear from storage and handling, as well as a few spots of mild surface oxidation overall. Barrel exhibits a pleasing plum color, with interior components retaining a layer of what appears to be vintage cosmoline. Mirror bore, exhibiting sharp, well defined lands and grooves throughout. Stock is excellent, exhibiting a rough exterior finish, with a moderate loss on the left side beneath the barrel band, a loss on the left side of the buttstock (that does not appear to effect serviceability), as well as a small area of marring on the left side of the buttstock. A truly exceptional example of an extremely late and rare variation of the K43 rifle, that the discerning collector would find difficult to upgrade from. MLW
Accessories
Spare magazine