Factory Engraved Walther P-38 P38 Chrome 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1971

SOLD FOR: $3,358

LSB#: 190806LB02

Make: Walther

Model: P38

Serial Number: 339736

Year of Manufacture: 1971

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine. This pistol has a de-cocker lever.

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with a Walther banner logo, “Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do. / P38 Cal. 9mm” and with an “Eagle / N” proof. The right side of the slide is marked “339736” and with an “INTERARMS / ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA” starburst logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a “71” date code, an Ulm antler proof and a “Eagle / N” proof. The front barrel flat is marked “9 PARA” and with an “Eagle / N” proof mark.  The left side of the front sight blade is marked “4”. The slide, barrel and frame have extensive oak leaf and checkerboard engraving with matching motif engraving on the controls.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade doveatiled to a boss at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered white plastic panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel and slide are steel, the frame is alloy, all are Chrome finished.

Finish Originality: The finish is original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99%+ of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw head is sharp. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a two-piece brown cardboard walther box with a hand-written serial-matching tag on one end of the lid, manual, and a total of two chrome finished 8-round magazines with matching checkerboard engraving on their floorplates. Both magazines have intact feed lips and strong springs. The magazine installed in the pistol has faint operational wear, in about Fine-plus condition. The other magazine is in Excellent condition. The box has scattered light storage wear with most wear at edges and corners, in about Very Good-plus condition.

Our Assessment: The P38 occupies a significant place in history. It was the first locked breech pistol to have a single action/double action trigger and used a de-cocker instead of a safety to lower the hammer and allow the pistol to be carried hammer down on a loaded chamber. These features are still in use today on modern pistols such as the Beretta Model 92. The P38 was adopted as Germany’s main service pistol at the beginning of WWII and during the war, it was made by both Mauser and Spreewerke in addition to Walther. After the war, P38’s were manufactured by the French using captured Walther machines, and Manurhin was eventually licensed by Walther to produce the pistols commercially. In 1955, West Germany was allowed to reestablish its armed forces and Walther secured a contract to produce pistols for the newly established Bundeswehr. This P38 pistol is a beatifully engraved model made in 1971 with oak leaf and checkerboard patterns throughout its brilliant chrome finish. The pistol is in Excellent condition showing little to no sign of use, appearing to have spent more time in its included box than out. Whether you’re a Walther fan or can just appreciate a gorgeous pistol, this is a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Factory Engraved Walther P-38 P38 Chrome 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1971
Factory Engraved Walther P-38 P38 Chrome 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1971