J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38H .32 ACP WWII Bring-Back Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,552.00

LSB#: LSB260618MR070

Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn

Model: 38H

serial number: 306061

Year of Manufacture: WWII Era / C&R

Caliber: .32 ACP / 7.65mm Browning

Action Type: Double Action/Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol, fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 3/8″

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “J.P. SAUER & SOHN, SUHL” and “CAL. 7,65”. The pistol is marked with serial number “306061”. German commercial proof markings are present. The accompanying capture certificate is dated October 11, 1945 and identifies a “German Pistol 7.65” with serial number 306061.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black molded panels. The checkering shows handling and operational wear but remains well defined. There are no notable chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One magazine in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its original finish. The balance shows finish loss with operational and handling wear throughout. There is thinning and finish loss on the exposed and high-contact areas consistent with service and carry. The markings remain legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good-Very Good condition for its age.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: This pistol includes one magazine in Very Good condition, a leather holster with a German eagle and spooky pinwheel emblem affixed to the flap, and a WWII capture certificate dated October 11, 1945. The certificate identifies a German 7.65mm pistol with serial number 306061, matching the serial number of this pistol.

Our Assessment: The J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38H was introduced shortly before WWII and represented one of the more advanced German compact service pistols of the period. Its most distinctive feature is the combination cocking and decocking lever on the left side of the frame, allowing the hammer to be safely lowered and subsequently cocked without manually manipulating the hammer. The 38H was chambered primarily in 7.65mm Browning and saw use with German military, police, and government personnel throughout the war. Sauer continued production at its Suhl works until the closing months of WWII.

This example is especially interesting for its documented wartime provenance. The accompanying October 1945 capture certificate specifically records a German 7.65mm pistol bearing serial number 306061, matching this Sauer. The pistol retains about 70% of its original blue finish with honest operational and handling wear, while the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and the action functions correctly. The matching-number capture document adds considerably to the historical character of this WWII-era Sauer 38H, particularly when retained together with its magazine and accompanying holster. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.