Description
Item Description
John Martz was one of the most respected and innovative custom pistol makers of the 20th century, best known for his extraordinary work on Lugers and other high-end semi-automatics. Based in California, Martz was a master gunsmith who specialized in hand-built custom Lugers, creating pieces that were not just mechanically superb but also aesthetically flawless. His signature creations included the Martz Luger Carbine, the Mini-Luger, the Martz Safe Toggle Release (STR), and various long-barrel, exhibition-grade conversions—all crafted with meticulous precision using both original and newly machined parts. Martz’s work was entirely custom and extremely labor-intensive, with many builds taking hundreds of hours. As a result, his pistols were produced in very small numbers, and each one is considered a functional work of art. Collectors today regard John Martz as one of the greatest American Luger craftsmen, often comparing his work to—and sometimes surpassing—the German factory custom shops of the early 1900s. His passing in 2021 made his firearms even more sought after, as no more will ever be produced. For Luger enthusiasts and advanced firearms collectors, a Martz pistol is considered a top-tier, museum-worthy masterpiece.
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Model: P38 Carbine John Martz Custom
Serial: 4900
Date of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 12.5"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Elevator Style Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Serrated Bakelite Two-Piece Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / “MARTZ CUSTOM 9MM” on the left side of the slide, “LINCOLN, CALIF. U.S.A.” on the right side of the slide
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P38 is one of the most historically significant military sidearms of the 20th century, developed by Germany as a modern replacement for the Luger P08. Introduced in 1938 and widely issued during World War II, the P38 pioneered several mechanical features still used in handgun design today, most notably its double-action/single-action trigger system, an exposed top barrel, and a reliable locking block mechanism. These innovations made it safer, faster to deploy, and more cost-effective to produce than its predecessor. After the war, the P38 continued to serve in various military and police forces worldwide, ultimately influencing the development of many modern service pistols. Its blend of engineering innovation, wartime history, and distinctive appearance cemented the P38 as an enduring icon among collectors and firearm historians. John Martz, the renowned American master gunsmith, earned a legendary reputation for his unmatched craftsmanship and artistic vision—especially in his work with classic semi-automatic pistols. Best known for his custom Lugers, Mini-Lugers, carbines, and his proprietary Martz Safe Toggle Release, Martz approached each project as a bespoke, hand-built creation rather than a simple modification. His work on pistols like the P38 was characterized by meticulous machining, perfect mechanical tuning, and elegant finishing, often transforming surplus or standard examples into true custom masterpieces. Because he worked alone and devoted extraordinary time to each firearm, his production remained extremely limited, and no more will ever be made following his passing in 2021.
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Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
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Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
