A Simply Superb, Original WW2, Third Reich Issue of 1943, Mauser P38 Semi Auto Pistol Made By Mauser. Deactivated 1999. And An Absolute Beauty of An Iconic Sidearm of the War

NOW SOLD Dated 1943 marked byf43. An icon of the 20th century. Dark red grips as seen on the grips of some MP40's sub-machine guns with exceptional, good tight and crisp action. Fine and clear waffenamt markings. Good blue finish throughout with usual light use and wear.

The Walther P38 was a 9 mm pistol that was developed by Walther as the service pistol of the Wehrmacht at the beginning of World War II. It was intended to replace the costly Luger P08, the production of which was scheduled to end in 1942.

The P38 concept was accepted by the military in 1938 but production of actual prototype ("Test") pistols did not start until late 1939. Walther began manufacture at their plant in Zella-Mehlis and produced three series of "Test" pistols, designated by a "0" prefix to the serial number. The third series satisfied the previous problems and production for the Heer (German Army) began in mid-1940, using Walther's military production identification code "480". After a few thousand pistols the Heer changed all codes from numbers to letters and Walther was given the "ac" code. All production was performed at the Walther plant until mid- to late 1942 when additional production began at the Mauser plant in Oberndorf (code "byf" until early 1945, then "svw") and at the Spreewerk plant in Hradek nad Nisou, Czechoslovakia ("cyq").

Deactivated to UK spec, but not suitable for export, for sale to over 18s only.

Please note* We also have a WW2 pattern P38 hardshell leather holster, but, importantly, post war made, not WW2 issue. Please enquire for details.

Code: 25639