CZ Vz. 38 1938 .380 ACP 4.75″ Semi-Automatic Pistol & Holster, 1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,226.50
LSB#: LSB251201KC011
Make: Ceska Zbrojovka, Prague
Model: vz. 38
Serial Number: 271120
Year of Manufacture: 1939 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP)
Action Type: Double Action Only, Fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The left front of the slide and frame are marked with “271120”. 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”.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
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. There is little to no wear. There are spots of faint scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The grip rates in about Fine 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. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates a 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are spots of thinning throughout the slide. There are light scratches throughout. The grip screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good 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 two single stack 9 round magazines and leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 38 is a distinctive prewar Czechoslovak service pistol introduced just prior to the German occupation, with 1939 production representing the final period of independent Czech manufacture before wartime control shifted. Designed as a double-action-only service sidearm in 9mm Kurz, the vz. 38 is notable for its simplified internal mechanism and unique pivoting barrel system with a distinctive tilting slide takedown arrangement. Its streamlined profile, absence of a manual safety, and smooth DAO trigger reflect a forward-thinking approach to service pistol design during the late 1930s. The Czech lion proof marks and 1939 date firmly anchor this pistol in the turbulent interwar and early occupation era.
This example presents in very good overall condition, retaining strong original blued finish with only light thinning and surface wear visible along the slide. The bore remains bright with well-defined rifling and no erosion observed. The wraparound Bakelite grip with circled CZ logos remains in fine condition with only minor cosmetic marks. Mechanically, the pistol functions correctly, including its unique takedown system and slide lock operation. Accompanied by two 9-round magazines and a leather holster, this 1939 vz. 38 stands as a historically significant and well-preserved prewar Czech service pistol from a pivotal year in European history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P
