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LOT 405
Rare Early World War II German Military Production Walther
“480” Code P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine -
Serial no. 5688, 9 mm cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Produced in 1940, the “480” coded
Walther P.38 pistols represent the first true military contract P.38s, showing an attractive commercial grade high polish blue finish not
seen on later issue guns. 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.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing traces of rust in and around the slide serrations, bright edge wear, patches of gray
patina on the grip frame, and mild handling marks overall. The grips are fine, with some
NOTICE THIS RARE PISTOL EVEN HAS ITS ORIGINAL MATCHING MAGAZINE
LOT 406
Rare Early First Model Zero Series Walther P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number “0178” with Concealed Extractor - Serial
no. 0178, 9 mm cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. This is a very rare example of first model, Zero Series Walther P.38 pistol. This pistol is one of approximately 965 (based on known serial numbers). First Issue pistols were
manufactured with the rectangular firing pin, concealed extractor and commercial
high polish blue finish. These are considered as some of the first true German military P.38 pistols manufactured. The left
side of the slide is marked with the Walther banner followed by “P.38” and the serial number (0178). The matching serial number is also located on the front of the barrel lug and left side of the frame above the trigger guard, and the matching partial serial number on the underside of the locking block and on the interior
of the checkered black plastic grips. “Eagle/359” inspection marks are present on multiple components, with the right side of the slide marked with a single “eagle/swastika” flanked by “eagle/359” proofs. The replacement magazine is numbered “07254”, with “eagle/359” stamps on the spine.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing bright wear on the high edges, a gray patina forming on the back strap, shallow pitting on the muzzle crown, mild spotting concentrated on the barrel, and light handling
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scattered light scratches. Mechanically excellent Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
marks overall. The grips are very good, with minor dents and scuffs. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500