Page 355 - 4096-BOOK2

353
LOT 1407
Exceptional Pre-World War
II German Krieghoff “1936” Date
Luftwaffe Contract P.08 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching
Magazine - Serial no. 6293, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish,
plastic grips. Manufactured in 1936, one of an estimated total of approximately
7,400 Luger pistols manufactured by Krieghoff in 1936 , including both “S” and “1936”
marked pistols. The only official supplier of Luger pistols for the Luftwaffe, Krieghoff
produced examples display a much finer fit and finish (more in line with commercial
production) than other Lugers of the era, and even rate among the finest examples of the
Luger pistols ever produced. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, the “1936” date
on top of the chamber, “H(anchor)K/KRIEGHOFF/SUHL” marked on top of the toggle link, along with
“drooped wing eagle/2” and “droop wing eagle” proofs. Matching serial numbers, on the frame, barrel, and extension,
along with visible matching “93” partial serial numbers on small parts. Un-numbered Krieghoff proofed firing pin and
magazine hold-open device. Fitted with a pair of checkered brown plastic grips and a nickel plated magazine with “droop
wing eagle/2” proof and matching serial number on the alloy base.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish and 70% original straw colors with minor edge wear,
some plum coloration to the barrel, minor specs of
freckling/spotting, a few minor handling marks, and
crisp markings. The grips are very fine with some
minor handling wear in the well-defined checkering.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 1408
Rare Early World War II
German First Letter Suffix Block
Walther “ac” Code “40” Surcharged P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol, Serial
Number “100a” - Serial no. 100a, 9 mm Luger cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue
finish, plastic grips. Manufactured c. August 1940, a very early letter suffix
serialized example from the very first “a” letter block produced by Walther starting in
1940, with this example being the 100th. Features the model designation and desirable “ac”
code and “40” surcharged date on the left of the slide. The “40” date is bright as factory pantographed
on the previously non-dated slide after the original slide inscription had been applied, the result of a directive from the Army
to date the guns while they were in the middle of production. This was prior to when the actual “40” dated die standard was
made, seen on a narrow window of production, making this a rare variation. “ac” codes marked on the left of the trigger guard
and underside of the barrel block, “eagle/(swastika)” firing proofs on the slide, barrel, and locking block, along with “eagle/359” proofs
visible on numerous parts. Matching “100a” serial numbers on the frame, slide, barrel,
and locking block, with the “a” suffix of the slide enlarged and factory stamped over a
previous marking. Fixed blade front and notch rear sights. Fitted with a pair of ribbed
brown composite grips with “eagle/359” proofs and matching “100” serial numbers
marked on the interiors, along with an “eagle/359” proofed and “P.38” marked blued
magazine with a non-matching “a” suffix serial number on the base.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with light holster pattern
edge wear, minor thinning on the slide and grip strap with smooth grey patina on the balance,
some minor spotting, some minor handling marks, along with clear and bright markings. The
grips are fine with some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500