German Spreewerke P38 cyq 9mm Luger 4.75” Semi Automatic Pistol, C&R 1945
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
LSB#: LSB251216DH027
Make: Walther
Model: P38
Serial Number: 1990y
Year of Manufacture: 1945 / 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 frame is marked “1990 y” and WA88. The left side of the slide is marked “P.38 cyq” and “1990 y”. The right side of the slide is marked with two waffenamt88 and a spooky chicken with pin wheel. The front of the frame is marked “1990 / y”. The right side of the barrel extension is marked “Bh”. The left side of the barrel extension is marked “cyq”. The locking lug is marked “990 / y”. The left side of the frame under the grip panel is marked “774”.
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 plastic panels with a cut for a lanyard loop. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The smooth borders have scattered scratches. There are a couple of serrations on both panels that have chipped off. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: One eight round magazine in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. There is faint pitting in the bore. There is fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is light operational wear. The leading edges have thinned. The front strap has thinned. Some spots of blue finish have turned to a light patina. There are spots of nicks throughout. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fair – Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. The slide catch doesn’t work with this magazine. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Walther P38 was adopted by the German military in 1938 as a modern replacement for the Luger P08 and quickly became one of the most influential military pistol designs of the twentieth century. Its double action and single action trigger system along with a slide mounted safety that also functions as a decocker represented a significant advancement in service pistol design. Wartime production was carried out by several manufacturers including Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk. Pistols marked with the “cyq” code were produced by Spreewerk at the Grottau factory, and examples dated 1945 represent some of the final P38 pistols manufactured during the closing months of the Second World War.
This example is a Spreewerk produced P38 marked “cyq” with Waffenamt 88 inspection marks and matching serialized components including the frame, slide, and locking block assembly. The pistol retains about 94 percent of its original blue finish with scattered scratches, light operational wear, and areas of thinning on the leading edges and front strap along with spots where the finish has developed a light patina. The serrated plastic grip panels show handling wear with scratches and a few chipped serrations but remain intact overall. The bore appears mostly bright with sharp rifling along with faint erosion and light pitting present, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and the safety also serves as the decocking lever as intended. The pistol includes one eight round magazine. Please see our high definition photos and good luck on your bids! -N.P