Description
Click here to view the Live Auction 1117132007
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this outstanding semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Walther “ac” P.38!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Walther “ac”
Model: P.38
Serial: 1718J
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Grooved Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is stamped “P.38” with serial number “1718J” and the Walther “ac” code. The left side of the frame is stamped “1718J” and the waffenamt “Eagle/359” proof mark. The right side of the slide is stamped with two waffenamt “Eagle/359" proof marks and an "Eagle/Swastika” proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P38 (originally designated the Walther P.38) is a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol developed by Carl Walther GmbH as the standard-issue sidearm for the Wehrmacht during World War II. It was intended to replace the expensive Luger P08, whose production was set to end in 1942 due to high costs and complex manufacturing. The P38 was designed to be simpler and more cost-effective to produce. The first prototype of the P38 was submitted to the German military in 1938, featuring a locked breech and a concealed hammer. However, the Army requested that the pistol be redesigned with an external hammer for easier manipulation, leading to the final design.
Model: P.38
Serial: 1718J
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Grooved Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is stamped “P.38” with serial number “1718J” and the Walther “ac” code. The left side of the frame is stamped “1718J” and the waffenamt “Eagle/359” proof mark. The right side of the slide is stamped with two waffenamt “Eagle/359" proof marks and an "Eagle/Swastika” proof mark.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P38 (originally designated the Walther P.38) is a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol developed by Carl Walther GmbH as the standard-issue sidearm for the Wehrmacht during World War II. It was intended to replace the expensive Luger P08, whose production was set to end in 1942 due to high costs and complex manufacturing. The P38 was designed to be simpler and more cost-effective to produce. The first prototype of the P38 was submitted to the German military in 1938, featuring a locked breech and a concealed hammer. However, the Army requested that the pistol be redesigned with an external hammer for easier manipulation, leading to the final design.
Production of the first "Test" pistols began in late 1939, though these prototypes were marked with a "0" prefix in their serial numbers. Three series of these Test pistols were produced, each refining the design. The third series successfully addressed earlier issues, and mass production began in mid-1940 under the military production code "480," indicating Walther’s factory in Zella-Mehlis. During WWII, production of the P38 was spread across three different manufacturers: Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk. Each manufacturer used a code to conceal its identity for security purposes: ac (Walther), byf (Mauser), and cyq (Spreewerk).
These codes were followed by the production year (e.g., ac44 indicating Walther production in 1944). Spreewerk, based in Grottau (modern-day Czech Republic), did not mark the year of production on their pistols. Pistols were typically produced in batches of 10,000 units, each with a sequential letter suffix to obscure the total production volume. By the end of World War II, approximately 1,277,680 P.38 pistols had been produced: 617,585 by Walther, 372,875 by Mauser, and 287,220 by Spreewerk.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine!
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.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
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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About Us
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.
