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LOT 3393
Rare Early Walther
“480” Code P.38 Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial
no. 768, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 7/8 inch
round bbl., blue finish, brown plastic grips. This is a very early “three digit” serial
number, “480” code Walther P.38 pistol. The “480” code was produced in late 1940
and represented some of the first true military contract pistols, after the “zero series,”
with only approximately 7,250 produced. This early production P.38 has the high polish blue
finish and brown plastic, ribbed grips. The left side of the slide is marked “P.38”, “480” followed by the
serial number, with the “480” code also present on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The serial number is marked on the
slide, frame, barrel lug and locking block. The right side of the slide is stamped with two “eagle/359” Army acceptance marks on
either side of a military “eagle/swastika” firing proof. The right side of the barrel lug and locking block, are also stamped with the
correct “eagle/359” Waffenamts as well as on the frame, take-down lever, trigger, slide release lever, firing pin cover, and on the side
of the hammer. It is complete with an early P.38 magazine with correct double “eagle/359” Waffenamt proofs on the rear and marked
“706” on the left.
CONDITION: Very fine with 70% plus of the bright original blue finish still remaining overall
with wear on the edges and high spots, sides of the slide, and the front grip strap. The markings
are clear and distinct. The grips are very fine showing only minor handling marks. Mechanically
excellent. This rare pistol has all matching parts except the magazine as noted. A prime
German military pistol for the advanced P.38 pistol collector that is seldom encountered in
this extremely fine condition.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 3392
Rare Early First Model Zero Series Walther P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Serial no. 0383, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic
grips. This is a very rare Walther First Model, Zero Series P.38 pistol. Consisting of the
first block of approximately 965 pistols made on contract for Germany after the adoption
of Walther’s Heeres Pistole as the P.38, the First Model Zero Series included features that would be
eliminated from future production, such as a rectangular profile firing pin, concealed extractor and commercial high polish blue
finish. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther banner followed by “P.38” and the serial number, with matching serial
numbers also located on the front of the barrel lug and left side of the frame above the trigger guard, unnumbered magazines,
and the matching partial serial number on the underside of the locking block and on the interior of the checkered black plastic grips.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, showing bright wear along the high edges and mild handling marks overall.
The grips are also excellent with sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection, Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
Approximately 7,250 "480" code
Walther P.38 pistols were produced.
This Walther First Model Zero Series P.38 pistol
is from the first block of approximately 965 pistols
made for German contract.