German Mauser P38 byf 43 9mm Luger 4.75” Semi Automatic Pistol, C&R 1943
SOLD FOR: $1,001.00
LSB#: LSB260224JH003
Make: Mauser
Model: P38
Serial Number: 5696h
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Center Fired, Double Action / Single Action, Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P.38”, “byf / 43”, and “5696h”. The right side of the slide is marked with two waffenamt 135 and an eagle with a spooky pinwheel. The locking lug is marked “696 / h”. The left side of the frame is marked “5696h” and a waffenamt 135. The front of the barrel is marked “5696 / h”.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch sight dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece serrated synthetic panels with a cut for a lanyard loop. There are scratches and nicks throughout. Most of the wear is on the smooth panels. There are chips in the serrations. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This pistol comes with one 8rd magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, Serialized parts matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. Most of the blue finish has gone into the white or turned to a patina. There are scratches and oxidization throughout. There is light corrosion pitting throughout. There is light oxidization on the frame. There are a couple of light nicks on the frame. The screw head is sharp. The markings range from clear to worn. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance needs. The safety also doubles as a decocker.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with the mentioned magazine and leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Mauser P38 produced under the “byf” code in 1943 represents wartime manufacture at the Mauser Oberndorf factory, during the height of World War II production. The P38 was developed to replace the Luger and introduced a more modern service pistol design, featuring a double action trigger and a locking block system that influenced many later handguns. By 1943, production emphasized efficiency while maintaining functional reliability. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the cartridge introduced in 1902, the platform became one of the most widely recognized military sidearms of the era.
This example retains about 20 percent of its original blued finish with significant wear, including widespread thinning to the white, patina formation, scratches, oxidation, and light corrosion pitting throughout the metal surfaces. The serrated synthetic grips show moderate wear with scratches and some chipped serrations but remain intact, rating in Good condition overall. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling present, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and the safety operates as a decocker as intended. Overall, this pistol presents as a wartime Mauser P38 with matching serialized components and visible service wear. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P