German Walther P38 AC 43 9mm Luger 5” Semi Automatic Pistol, C&R 1943
SOLD FOR: $1,001.00
LSB#: LSB250924MG008
Make: Walther
Model: P38
Serial Number: 2398K
Year of Manufacture: 1943 – C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Center Fired, Double Action / Single Action, Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Barrel Length: 5”
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. The grips are a blackish brown. There are scratches and nicks throughout the smooth edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, Serialized parts matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, thinning, and oxidization throughout. The leading edges have thinning. There is light operational wear. The frame and slide has a few light nicks on the edges. The finish has turned a patina on the frame. There is scattered surface oxidation and light pitting. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are unmarred and the markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very 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: None.
Our Assessment: This mid-war ac 43–coded Walther P38 represents the classic form of Germany’s standard-issue service pistol at the height of WWII production, built at a time when Walther was balancing combat urgency with the need to maintain functional reliability. The pistol shows the characteristic late-1943 finish—thinner blueing, visible machining marks, and a practical rather than polished appearance—yet retains strong mechanical integrity and matching serialized components, which is increasingly uncommon for wartime P38s. The bore remains serviceable with defined rifling, and the external wear, thinning, and scattered oxidation all reflect a sidearm that likely saw active field use before its postwar journey into the surplus market. With its correct wartime markings, original finish, and honest patina, this P38 stands as an authentic representative of German military sidearms during a pivotal period of the conflict. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -N.P
