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LOT 425
Rare World War II Gustloffe-Werke Semi- Automatic Pistol with Holster and Extra Magazine - Serial no. 1034, 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 “1034” 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 “03” (appears
to be an assembly number) is marked on various components including the
right side of the magazine and handwritten on the inside of both grip panels.
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, and is marked with matching assembly number “03” on the right. Includes an unmarked black leather holster and extra magazine with “56” on the floorplate and spine.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% period refinished blue finish on the slide with some edge wear and scattered light freckling, some areas of darkening mixed with gray surfaces on the original unfinished zinc frame, and a bright appearance on the original unfinished alloy trigger guard. The grips are fine with some light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Included holster is very fine.
LOT 426
Rare Late World War II German Test
Proofed CZ Model 38 Semi-Automatic
Pistol - NSN, 9 mm Kurz cal., 4 3/4 inch
round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips.
Introduced in 1938, a number of CZ 38
pistols were appropriated by the Germans as sidearms under the designation
“P.39(t)”. While the majority of occupation 38s (approximately 44,000) were
pre-invasion production diverted from stocks destined for Czech cavalry and
aviators, this shows signs of being a much scarcer post-invasion production
(approximately 1,000 made), with its late-war phosphate finish and lack of a
serial number. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard CZ Prague
address, and the left side of the frame has an “eagle/WaA76” Waffenamt proof. The barrel on this example has a rare “eagle/swastika” test proof as well as another faint Waffenamt proof. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, and a of checkered hard rubber grip with CZ logos. A lanyard loop is affixed to the butt. This pistols are described in depth on p. 62-66 of “Axis Pistols” by Jan Still. CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% plus of the original late war phosphate finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered patches of mild pitting. The grip is also very good with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 427
World War II German Walther
Third Issue Zero Series P.38 Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 05676, 9
mm Luger cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Part of
the initial run of Walther’s military P.38s, the Zero Series served to
“fine tune” the Walther HP to Wehrmacht specifications and was an
important stage in the pistol’s development. These Zero Series pistols are
very scarce compared to standard production P.38 pistols and have become
extremely popular among collectors due to how they illustrate the important
changes made during production of the model. This particular example is a
third variant of that series. It is fitted with fixed sights, a round firing pin, a serrated takedown lever, and an exposed extractor. The slide is marked with the Walther banner and “P.38” on the left, with “eagle/359” proofs on various components, matching full serial number marked on the slide, frame, and barrel, matching partial numbers
on the locking block and inside the grips (the
left panel has “878”, likely a factory error), and
unnumbered later production replacement
magazine.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% original blue finish
with some light edge wear, smooth gray and
brown patina on the balance and a few patches
of light pitting visible. The grips are also fine
with some light nicks and defined checkering.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 428
Desirable Late World War II German
Occupation Radom Vis 35 Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. B6521, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl.,
phosphate finish, walnut grips. Originally the main sidearm of Poland’s military,
the VIS 35 was rebranded the P35(p) and pressed into service by the Germans
following their invasion and occupation of Poland. This late war production
example has rough machined parts with wartime phosphate finish, fixed sights with the one-line Radom model marking, “eagle/623” and “eagle/77” proof stamps, back strap not cut for shoulder stock, serrated hardwood grips with “eagle/623” stamps on the underside, and unmarked magazine. Mixed serial numbers visible, indicating this may have been assembled late in the war.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting a mix of original phosphate finish and smooth gray patina, with a few patches of light pitting. The grips are very fine with defined serrations, some light handling marks, a small chip on the left panel, and a lightened appearance. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
344 Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500