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LOT 458
Very Scarce Late War “bnz”
Marked Steyr Production VIS-35
Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no.
K1873, 9 mm cal., 4 5/8 inch round
bbl., gray phosphate finish, hardwood
grips. Originally the main sidearm of Poland’s military, the VIS-35
was rebranded the P35(p) and pressed into service by the Germans
following their invasion and occupation of Poland. While chiefly
made in Poland using Radom’s plant, Steyr was involved both in a supervisory
role and in parts supply, before also making complete P35(p)s on their own.
Production was relatively limited, with records destroyed by aerial bombing and
the Soviet occupation of Austria, but it is believed that full pistol production at Steyr
only took place in 1944-1945. Only the latest production Steyr P35(p) pistols used the
“bnz” marking style, essentially making it the “last ditch” variant. Overall features are
consistent with late war Radoms, with the takedown hook and stock notch eliminated.
Fixed sights, with “bnz”, “eagle/swastika” and a faint Waffenamt proof on the left side
of the slide, a faint “eagle/623” on the
left side of the triggerguard, and “eagle/
swastika” and “eagle/623” on the left side
of the barrel lug. Matching numbers are
present on the right side of the frame,
underside of the slide, and left side of the
barrel lug. The magazine catch, slide stop,
grip screws, rear sight, decocker lever
and ring hammer are all blued, the latter properly configured with a notch for the decocker for takedown purposes. Grips are ribbed hardwood, with a blued magazine.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original gray phosphate finish, with mild spotting and edge wear overall, tool marks around the rear sight, a thumbprint-sized patch of mild pitting on the right rear of the slide, and minor handling marks. The blued components retain 80% finish, with bright wear and minor spotting. The grips are very good, with chipping concentrated on the right side and some minor dings overall. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 459
LOT 460
RZM Marked German Walther PPK Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 831933, 7.65 mm auto
cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. The
Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) served as the quartermasters
office of the National Socialists and later became the chief authority
on textiles in the Third Reich. Fixed sights and standard markings, with
“crown/N” proofs on the barrel, slide and muzzle, and the slide markings
configured to allow the addition of the etched circular “RZM” logo on
the left of the slide. Serrated ring hammer, 90 degree safety and checkered brown plastic “WALTHER” banner grips with matching colored grip extension on the magazine. Includes an extra flat base magazine.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with some light edge wear, handling marks and some freckling. Grip is also very fine with slight warpage on bottom. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 461
Excellent Late World War II
Walther/FN “ac 45” Code P.38
Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 1745c, 9 mm cal., 4 7/8
inch round bbl., blue/phosphate finish, synthetic grips. Fixed
blade and notch sights, one-line “P.38 1745c ac 45” marking on the
left side of slide. The slide, frame barrel and locking block are matching
numbered, with “eagle/359” proofs on the slide, barrel and frame and
“eagle/140” on the left side of the frame, indicating a FN-produced
frame. Phosphate finish visible on trigger, slide stop, safety and sear transfer
bar. Ribbed Bakelite grips and “P38” and “jvd” marked magazine. The name “Bill Walker” has been scratched into the outside of the right grip panel, with a label inside the left grip panel reading “BILL R WALKER”; no information on Walker was supplied by the consignor, and a
search of WWII GIs turns up more than one soldier by that name.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% of the original combination blue/phosphate finish, streaking of the slide, edge wear and mild handling marks. The grips are very fine, with some scuffing and GI-applied name. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Jon M. Maxwell Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 462
Fine World War II German Walther
Third Issue Zero Series P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol -
Serial no. 08180, 9 mm Luger Auto cal., 5 inch part round bbl.,
blue finish, plastic grips. Part of the initial run of Walther’s military
production P.38 pistols, the Zero Series served to “fine tune” the
Walther HP to Wehrmacht specifications as an important stage in the
pistol’s development. These Zero Series pistols are very scarce compared
to standard production P.38 pistols and have become extremely popular among collectors due to how they illustrate the important changes made during production of the model. This particular example is a third variant of that series, fitted with fixed blade front and notch rear sights, a round firing pin, a serrated takedown lever, and an exposed extractor. The slide is marked with the Walther banner and “P.38” on the left, with “eagle/359” proofs on various components, matching full serial number marked on the slide, frame, and barrel, along with matching partial numbers on the locking block and inside the grips. Includes a “P.38” marked and “eagle/359” proofed magazine
numbered to another pistol.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining
70% plus original blue finish
with scattered light edge wear,
scattered minor spotting, finish
loss on the slide, smooth brown/
grey patina, and crisp markings.
The grips are also fine with
crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
1939 Dated Radom VIS-35
“Polish Eagle” Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Holster - Serial no.
28695, 9 mm cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in
1939 the VIS-35 Pistol was the standard
sidearm of Poland and following the
invasion and occupation in September
1939, it became a secondary arm for
the Wehrmacht. The pre-Occupation
pistols show a level of fit and finish not
seen on the ones produced for the
Germans, and bear the Polish Eagle
on the left side of the slide between
the model, date and patent markings.
Fixed sights with “F.B. RADOM/1939r.”
and “VIS-wz.35/pat.Nr.15567” on
the left side of the slide, numerous
small proofs on both sides of the
trigger guard. Matching numbers are
present on the frame, slide and extractor, with the barrel numbered “8522” on the rear of the lug. Equipped with a takedown catch and a slotted back strap for mounting a stock, both features eliminated during
the occupation, and fitted with a pair of checkered grips marked “FB” and “VIS” on the left and right side, respectively. Includes a German military brown leather flap holster.
CONDITION: Very fine as assembled, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing some bright wear on the high edges, sides of the trigger and under the decocker lever, a mixed gray and brown patina concentrated on the gripstraps, minor spotting and light handling marks. The grips are excellent, with a few light dings and scuffs, and the grip screws showing some spotting and tool marks. Mild scuffs and cracks are visible on the very good holster, which remains supple with strong stitching. Mechanically excellent.
384 Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500