Page 376 - 4091-BOOK2

LOT 1443
Rare World War II Gustloff-
Werke Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Matching Magazine
- Serial no. 1285, 7.65 mm auto cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/bright finish, plastic grips.
This is a rare example of a Gustloff-Werke semi-automatic pistol. Although unverified,
it is estimated that only approximately 240 “production” pistols were manufactured before
the factory was bombed in 1944. Only about half of the total production were manufactured with zinc
frames like this example, while the other half featured frames made of steel. The development of this pistol design started circa 1938/39 under the direction
of Fritz Sauckel, Gauleiter of Thuringia and was manufactured by the Gustloff-
Werke. Mechanically the pistol bears a resemblance to the Walther Model PP pistol, though with a simplified
single action trigger mechanism and a takedown block independent of the trigger guard. Reportedly submitted to Hitler in early 1940, the Gustloff was proposed as a possible replacement police weapon, to be manufactured
in Weimar using concentration camp labor to free up other manufacturers for military production, though the scheme never took off. Exact production numbers are unverified. This example is numbered “1285” on the left of the frame, which is constructed from cast zinc, with the cast steel slide bearing crude markings consisting of a
“G” over the two-line address “GUSTLOFF-WERKE/WAFFENWERK SUHL” on the left side and a Gustloff “G” logo
on the right, and an alloy trigger guard. It has a raised sighting rib with a fixed blade front sight and notch rear sight. “Eagle/N” proofs
marked on the right rear edge of the slide and frame. Matching number “258” is marked on various components including the rear of the magazine, with unnumbered grip panels
that appear to likely be the originals. Operation is straight blowback, with a heavy spring loaded safety lever on the left side of the frame, and a pair of checkered plastic grips with the “G” Gustloff logo molded on the left panel. The 7-round magazine is properly curved at the base to match the contour of the pistol.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish on the slide with some light finish wear at the leading edges, with the original unfinished zinc frame retaining its gray appearance. The grips are also excellent with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1444
Desirable “1937” Dated Krieghoff Luftwaffe P.08 Luger Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 8809, 9 mm cal., 4 inch round
bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1937, this is one
of approximately 2,500 Lugers manufactured by Krieghoff that year
for the German Luftwaffe, just prior to World War II. These pistols fall within the 7300 to 10000 serial number range and were part of the first contract for 10,000 pistols. This example has the “1937” chamber date, with the toggle bearing the C-2 type “H(anchor)K/KRIEGHOFF/SUHL” marking. The right side of the
chamber has three Luftwaffe acceptance/test proofs while the left has the full serial number which is repeated on the front of the frame. The matching last two digits of the serial number are marked on the underside of the
toggles, left of the breech block, rear toggle pin, back side of the side plate, safety, trigger, takedown lever, firing pin and firing pin retainer. “GESICHERT” and “GELADEN” markings are present on the upper safety position and extractor, respectively, and a six-pointed
star is present on the right side of the grip frame. It is fitted with serrated blade front and notch rear sights, checkered brown plastic grips and a blued magazine with aluminum base.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing a small spot of pitting on the front of
the right frame rail, bright edge wear, a small amount of oxidation concentrated on the gripstraps, and mild
handling marks overall. 75% of the original straw colors remain The replacement magazine has been refinished,
with covered pitting and markings removed from the base. Grips are very fine, with some flat spots on the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
374