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LOT 1381
Excellent World War II “Zero” Series
Walther P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Holster and Extra Magazine - Serial
no. 09365, 9 mm cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue
finish, black checkered plastic grips. This is an excellent
example of the very desirable fourth developmental
stage, “Zero” Series P.38 pistol (usually called 3rd Model
Zero-Series). All of these Zero Series P.38 pistols are very
significant as they track the various production changes that
occurred throughout the early production cycle at the Walther factory. These fourth
stage pistols went through numerous design changes on the frame, slide and locking
block area to improve the producibility and lower the overall production cost of these
pistols. This fourth stage became the final production model that became the standard
P.38 production pistol which was used thoughout WWII. These Zero Series pistols are
characterized by the “0” in front of the serial numbers, the high-polish commercial blue
finish, with commercial type slide markings on the left side with the German Walther factory
Waffenamt proofs on the right side. The grips are black plastic/bakelite with checkered panels
on both sides with a rounded lanyard ring on the lower left side. The left side of the slide is
marked with the Walther Banner followed by “P.38” and the serial number, with a double
“Eagle/359” Walther factory proof along with a single “Eagle” firing proof. The various parts all
carry a small “Eagle/359” Walther proof with a matching serial number on the front of the barrel lug, left side of the frame and
left side of the slide. It is fitted with a correct matching locking block that carries the last three digits “365” of the serial number,
along with a single “Eagle/359” Waffenamt on the right side. The grips are numbered “365”, matching the pistol. It is complete
with two wartime magazines one with a single “P38v” located on the lower left side of the magazine body and the other
marked “P38”. Also with an original 1942 dated P.38 holster that has a single “Eagle WaA392” Waffenamt on the back.
CONDITION: Excellent overall with 97% plus of the original pre-war blue finish with edge and high spot wear. There is some slight
thinning and wear to the blue finish on the front grip strap. Mechanically needs awork as it functions in double action only. The
backsides of the front and rear sight were painted at some point (which can be easily removed without damage to the blue), and
the grips are also excellent with nice checkering on both sides. The holster is very good plus with nice tight stitching overall, clear
distinct markings on the back, and minor edge scuffing to the leather on the various high spots. An excellent example of a scarce
Zero Series P.38 pistol.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1380
Excellent World War II Mauser “42” Code, “41” Date
“Ku” Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig with “41”
Dated Holster and Extra Magazine - Serial no. 3543, 9 mm
cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Dated “42”
on top of the chamber and bearing the “S/42” Mauser code on
the front toggle link, the left side of the barrel extension is marked
“Ku” with the stick eagle “LA” stamp on the barrel, extension, and breechblock. The “Ku
Luger” is something of a mystery, as the purpose of the “Ku” and “LA” markings have never
been conclusively determined; some speculate that they were machined by Mauser and
finished by Krieghoff, or that they were issued to the “Kustenfliegers” (Coastal Flyers, Luftwaffe
pilots who served as the Nazi version of the Fleet Air Arm). Full-blue components, checkered grips
and a blue finished magazine with a black plastic base. The barrel, breechblock, rear toggle link,
magazine and hold open are correctly unnumbered, with matching partial number “43” on the extractor,
front toggle link, takedown lever, sideplate, sear, safety components, magazine, and firing pin, with the
full “3543” on the receiver, frame and grip panels. Included with the lot is a black leather flap holster marked
“cxb/41” on the rear, blued “eagle/655” proofed takedown tool and an extra “fxo” magazine.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 97% plus of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear
and scattered minor scratches and handling marks. The grips are also excellent with some
stains and dings. The holster is excellent with some scuffing. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,500