German Walther P38 AC 43 .9mm SA/DA Semi Automatic Pistol MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
LSB#: WY241017CM001
Make: Walther
Model: P38
Serial Number: 1259
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single or double action semi-auto with removable magazine. This pistol has a decocker lever.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P.38 / A.C. 43 / 1259” The front barrel flat is marked “1259” The left side of the barrel assembly is marked with waffenamts as well as a Spooky chicken holding a pinwheel. The bottom of the bolt assembly is marked “1259” The slide, barrel and frame are hand engraved with oak leaves and acorns, and the top of the barrel has a chinese dragon face.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a u-notch blade set into the top of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are serrated black plastic that enclose the backstrap. The left grip has a lanyard ring protruding through it from the grip frame. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scratches and scuffs on the metal surfaces. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. This pistol rates in Very Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 2 8 round magazines and black leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Walther P38 was developed during the interwar period as an alternative to the Luger P08 pistol. The P38 was both cheaper and easier to produce, cutting the manufacturing time nearly in half. The P38, which was the first locked-breech pistol to use a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger, introduced a number of design features that have continued to see use on more modern handguns. They also feature a decocker, which in theory allows for the hammer to be safely dropped with a round in the chamber and not fire. During the Second World War, the P38 would be built by Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk. The P38 would again see service as the standard sidearm of the West German Budeswehr beginning in 1957.
This Walther P.38 was made in 1943. It has been hand engraved with oak leaves, acorns and a chinese dragon. The oak leaves and acorns were thought to symbolize good luck. The Chinese dragon face symbolizes power and protection. This pistol was not only a backup weapon to the soldier that carried it, but a good luck charm with several cultural influences. If this pistol could talk it would have 3 movies and a podcast. This is an absolute must have item for collectors. It will be the highlight piece of any collection. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
