WWII German Mauser P.38 byf44 9mm Semi-Auto Military Pistol, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,150.00
LSB#: LSB250518JK009.1
Make: Mauser, “byf”
Model: P.38
Serial#: 8503z
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single/Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable 8-round Magazine
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a boss at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated Polyamid 6 synthetic panels. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around the screw head. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match. No import mark.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are a few minor nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw head is sharp. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine with eagle over “WaA706” waffenamt and “jvd” on the spine.
Our Assessment: The P38 occupies a significant place in history. It was the first locked breech pistol to have a single action/double action trigger. After the start of WWII, Walther could not keep up with the production required, and production was ordered to commence at both Mauser and Spreewerke in 1940. By the end of the war, 1.2 million P.38 pistols had been produced.
This particular specimen is a WWII-era P.38 that was made by Mauser in 1944. Mauser had taken over the production of Luger P.08 semi-automatic handguns in the 1930s and produced the gun until mid-1941, the firm then took up production of the P.38 with mass production of the more modern handgun beginning in 1942 and continuing until the end of WWII.
This example is well preserved for a later war production handgun, it was made in 1944 when the war effort was going poorly for the Third Reich. Despite its failing fortunes, the Third Reich managed to produce a massive amount of war material in 1944, albeit with lower quality materials as shortages continued to plague the collapsing empire. This handgun comes from this period and will certainly appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid! -N.P
