WWII Mauser byf 42 Walther P.38 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol Matching Numbers C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,376.13
LSB#: LSB250528DG001
Make: Mauser Werke, Oberndorf
Model: P.38
Serial Number: 555a
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (C&R)
Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Double Action / Single Action, with 8-Round Removable Magazine (not included)
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P.38 byf 42” and “555a.” The right side of the slide shows two Eagle / 135 Waffenamt acceptance marks and one Eagle firing proof. The barrel is marked “555 / a”. The left side of the frame is marked “555a” with Eagle / 135. The grips are the correct black ribbed bakelite wartime pattern.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a rearward-facing ramped face, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a raised dovetail on the back of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black ribbed bakelite. They light wear. No cracks are noted. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition for a service pistol of this vintage.
Type of Finish: Wartime Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its finish. There is edge thinning on the slide and frame, with high point wear. The holster wear is consistent with light service. The markings remain clear and sharp. The screw heads are serviceable. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine – Excellent condition as a WWII-issued service sidearm.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both double- and single-action. The safety/decocker functions properly. The slide locks back on an empty magazine (not included). We have not test fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a WWII Mauser “byf 42” P.38 pistol, manufactured in 1942 during the height of German wartime production. The P.38 was designed to replace the Luger P.08, offering a simpler, more robust service sidearm with a then-revolutionary double-action/single-action design. This innovation would go on to influence countless modern handguns.
The “byf” code identifies Mauser as the manufacturer, and the “42” indicates production year. This pistol bears full wartime German Waffenamt acceptance proofs (Eagle/135), and all visible serials are matching, a very desirable feature for collectors. The grips are correct late-war ribbed bakelite panels.
As one of the most historically significant German sidearms of WWII, the P.38 has become an essential piece for military collectors. This example shows light but honest service wear, consistent with having seen issue, and retains strong mechanics and clear markings. For collectors of WWII German arms, this byf 42 P.38 is a must-have representative piece. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
