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LOT 340
Rare Early First Model Zero Series Walther P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Holster and Extra Magazine - Serial no. 0383, 9 mm 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. Included is an unmarked brown leather holster and a spare magazine.
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, and the holster is very fine with some mild scuffs and cracks. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,000
LOT 341
Rare Walther “480” Code P.38 Semi- Automatic Pistol with Matching
Magazine and Holster - Serial no. 1536, 9 mm cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips.
Manufactured in 1940, the “480” code Walther P.38s were the first
full production run of military P.38 pistols, having benefited from
the lessons learned during the “Zero Series” P.38 run. Fixed sights, with the left side of the slide marked “P.38 480”, followed by the serial number and the right side has the “eagle/swastika” and “eagle/359” stamps. The “480” code is repeated on the left side of the trigger guard, with “359” proofs on several components and matching numbers on the frame, barrel, locking block, both of the ribbed black grip panels and on the left side of the blued magazine; the latter also has a “+” stamp, suggesting that it was originally the spare magazine
for the pistol. Included is a black leather flap holster marked “emj41”
on the rear and an unnumbered “Eagle 359” proofed blue finished magazine.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% plus of the original blue finish, showing bright wear on the high edges, the start of a brown patina on the
front strap, and mild handling marks. The grips are fine, with some minor scratches, and the holster is very fine with a few mild scuffs. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
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