CZ Vz. 38 P.39(T) .380 ACP 4 7/8″ Blue Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1939 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1525

LSB#: 211104DW20

Make: Ceska Zbrojovka, Poland

Model: vz. 38 (German P.39(t))

Serial Number: 272903

Year of Manufacture: 1939

Caliber: 9mm Kurz (.380 A.C.P.)

Action Type: Double Action Only with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left front of the slide and frame are marked with “272903”. The left side of the slide is marked “CESKA ZBROJOVKA AKC. SPOL. V PRAZE”. The top of the barrel and the top of the slide are marked with rampant lion proof marks. The right side of the frame is marked with a “CZ” logo, “E7”, a rampant lion proof mark, “39”, and “S. W. PAHS”. The slide and frame markings are filled with white.

Barrel Length: 4 7/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the top of the pivoting barrel bushing in front of the slide. The rear face of the blade is textured. The rear sight is a “V” notch dovetailed into the top of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered dark reddish-brown Bakelite that wraps around the backstrap. There are circled “CZ” logos in the bottom half of the grip on each side. The smooth areas show several nicks and scratches. The checkering shows light-moderate wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grip rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 89% of its metal finish. There is light pitting on the side plate. There are several nicks and scratches throughout. The textured surface on the rear of the front sight blade shows moderate wear. The slide serrations are sharp. The grip screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is fairly smooth. The pistol has a unique takedown lever on the left side that allows the back of the slide to tilt up when the lever is pushed forwards. This pistol was not designed with a safety. The slide locks back on an empty magazine and goes forwards when the magazine is removed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single stack 9 round magazine.

Our Assessment: The vz. 38 was designed for the Czechoslovakian Army in double action only, reportedly at the request of the Czechoslovakian Air Force and Cavalry. The Germans invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939, at which time the order was nearly complete but none had been delivered. The Germans designated the pistol as the P.39(t), the “t” standing for “Tschechoslowakei”, and issued 41000 to their army and 3000 to the Luftwaffe. None of these pistols had German acceptance markings, but there were another 1000 produced later with a rough phosphate finish that had German acceptance marks and proof marks. This pistol is in remarkable condition for having survived WWII. It is in about Fine condition with 89% of its original finish remaining. It has a somewhat unusual design with a slide that tilts up at the rear for disassembly and is designed for double action only operation. Despite our best efforts, we could not determine the significance of the “S. W. PAHS” marking on the right side of the slide, it could very likely be a previous owners name. We suspect that the collectors of WWII handguns, collectors of Czechoslovakian handguns and collectors of handguns used by Germany in WWII are going to be fighting over the chance to add this gem to their collection. Please see our photos and good luck!