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LOT 440
Rare and Desirable Early World War II
Production Walther “480” Code P.38 Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Holster - 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 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. Included with a leather holster
marked on the back “dKK/43”, with the “eagle/195” WaA proofs and P.38.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% 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. The leather holster is very good with a replaced belt loop,
wear, and aging. 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 439
Desirable World War II German Krieghoff “P” Code
Commercial Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, Serial Number “
P41”, with Holster - Serial no. P41, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl.,
blue/straw finish, plastic grips. Manufactured c. 1937-1944 by H. Krieghoff
of Suhl as one of a limited number of Luger pistols released by the firm to
the commercial market, examples bearing a “P” prefix serial number (like this
specimen) reportedly being limited to roughly 200 produced overall. These pistols
were reportedly constructed from either over-run or rejected components from the firm’s Luftwaffe
contracts, with one of the distinctive quirks often reported as a result being a noticeable gap between
the breech block and chamber, as found on this example. Reference pages 283-288 of “Third Reich
Lugers” by Jan C. Still for more information of these commercially released Krieghoff Luger pistols. Features
fixed blade front and notch rear sights, an unnumbered “eagle/N” proofed barrel, undated chamber, and an
“eagle/N” proof on the left of the frame. The left side of the extension is “eagle/N” proofed, with a “drooped wing
eagle/2” Luftwaffe proof on the right, along with additional Luftwaffe “stick eagle” and “stick eagle/2” proofs on
several smaller components. Matching serial number on the left of the extension. Fitted with a pair of checkered
black plastic grips and a non-matching “fxo” code, “eagle/37” proofed, and “P.08” marked blued magazine. Includes a
correct black leather flap holster with
the name “DUFFY” carved into the
back side.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining
75% plus original blue finish and
60% plus straw colors with some
scattered minor edge wear, some areas of plum and brown coloration to the frame barrel, and extension, some minor
thinning on the grip frame with mostly grey patina, some limited minor freckling, and light handling wear. The grips are
also very fine with some light handling/rub wear in the otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The
holster is fine.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500