September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
Standard configuration P.38 assembled at the Walther arsenal in 1945 on a Fabrique Nationale frame. A rare variation in and of itself, this example falls within the appropriate serial number range for having been assembled by a U.S.G.I. after the capture of the Walther factory in April of 1945. The left side of the slide is stamped "P.38" followed by the serial number, Walther's "ac" manufacturer code, and the 2-digit year of manufacture "45". The left side of the frame bears a mostly indiscernible "(Eagle)/ 140" waffenamt, as well as an "MI" proof, indicating manufacture at FN in Belgium. Metal components are blued, while the frame is mounted with 2-piece grooved brown resin grips. Frame and barrel match via the serial number "7943c", with the slide only 2 numbers off at "7941c", further indicating that this example was U.S.G.I. assembled. CONDITION: Metal components retain large amounts of their original arsenal blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that show through to gray patina and some scattered spots of mild surface oxidation overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well-defined rifling throughout. Grips exhibit some scattered nicks and marks from handling and storage but are otherwise fine.
Caliber/Bore
9x19mm Parabellum
Paperwork
Receipt, previous description