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LOT 1408
Rare German Commercially Proofed Walther “480” Code “PRIVAT” Marked P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Three Matching Magazines, Extra Matching 7.65 mm Luger Auto Barrel and Capture Paper - Serial no. 3055, 9 mm Luger cal., 5 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. The rear sight has a red painted rear surface and the front sight has a yellow painted rear surface. The left side of the frame is marked “PRIVAT” over the “eagle/359” proof. The writer believes this to be for private commercial sale as the right forward slide and frame are both “eagle/N” commercially proofed. This pistol is accompanied by three matching numbered “eagle/359” proofed magazines, and an extra matching numbered barrel chambered for 7.65 mm Luger auto with matching numbered locking block (matching numbered 9mm Luger chambered barrel currently in the
pistol), and a capture paper listing “1
Walther Pistol P38 Serial no. 3055” as captured in the European theater by a Lloyd E. Daniel. An honorable discharge
paper was located with unmistakably the same
handwritten signature of Lloyd E. Daniel (born February 21, 1920) that indicates he was discharged
from Fort Bliss, Texas on December 7th, 1945, and lists him as a Grade T-5 Crane Operator with the 391st Depot Company and proceeds to list
his battles and campaigns including New Guinea, South Philippines Liberation, Luzon, and decorations and citations including Asiatic
Pacific Theater, Philippine Liberation, and Victory Medal. It is possible that Daniel acquired this pistol during a
post-war station in Europe or from a friend who had served in the ETO. Further information indicates he lived until January 11th, 2006.
Also includes a modern plastic case. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% original blue finish with a few small spots of minor
light surface corrosion. The grips are also
excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The matching extra barrel and matching extra
magazines are all excellent. Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
NOTICE BOTH BARRELS ARE SERIAL NUMBER MATCHING TO THE PISTOL
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