Original WWII German Mauser P38 9mm P38 5? DA/SA Pistol 1944 w/ Holster C&R
SOLD FOR: $1261
WOA#: WY230404GP004
Make: Mauser (byf)
Model: P38
Serial#: 1411 a
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single/Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P38”, “byf / 44” (Mauser WWII Designation and Production Date), and its serial number “1411 a”. The left side of the frame is marked “1411 a”. Along with a Waffenamt “WaA135”. The right side of the slide has two Waffenamts “WaA135” surrounding a War Eagle. The front of the frame below the barrel is marked “1411 / a”. The back of the leather holster is marked “1095/12/120/6169 / Ta.fF.Pist.38.Kal.9mm (W) / S.M.G. 9/59 with a stamped Waffenamt below it.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel and the rear sight is a dovetailed square-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece serrated black synthetic with smooth borders. The grips have some light handling marks and scuffs. The serrations remains sharp with a few small nicks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is some concentrated corrosion half way down the barrel.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks and scuffs. Notably, there is some light wear along the frame and barrel’s leading edges. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are sharp and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Excellent condition for a WWII C&R Pistol.
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 and Accessories: This pistol comes with 2 Walther 8rd 9mm Magazines in Very Good condition as well as its Leather Holster also in Very Good condition. There are some scratches and scuffs on the leather as well as a couple nicks. The strap in solid and there are no cracks.
Our Assessment: The Parabellum Pistole Modell 1908 (the Luger in lay terms) was showing its age by the early 1930s and the German Army began to seek out a new handgun to equip its forces. German arms manufacturers submitted a number of designs to replace the aged Luger. The design which most impressed the military was the AP (Armee Pistole or Army Pistol) designed by Carl Walther Waffenfabrik, but the gun’s concealed hammer design was considered inefficient and the gun was reworked to accommodate an external hammer. The new handgun was named the Heerespistole (also translates to Army Pistol; Heer translates to Army) and it featured an external hammer and could be fired as either a single or double-action based on the needs of the user. This improved design impressed the German Army which opted to adopt the handgun as its new standard issue sidearm in 1938. There are only a few minor dimensional changes between the P.38 and HP, they were done to facilitate mass production. The gun would remain the standard issue sidearm of the Heer until its ultimate defeat at the end of WWII. The stalwart design remains in service with a number of military and police formations to this day.
This particular specimen is an original WWII P38 with appropriate marking and Waffenamts making it a wonderful addition to any historical collection or range day lineup. It has a strong bore and still retained most of its beautiful blued finish. Please see photos and good luck!