Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this sought-after semi-automatic pistol for auction; this is the Mauser Code “byf” P.38!
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According to the included letter of certification, this Walther Model P-38, presented in a Presentation Grade package, is a genuine wartime P-38 produced during World War II. The letter confirms several features that attest to its wartime-new condition, including authentic German proof marks and Military Acceptance Office stamps found on all parts. Additionally, the P-38 exhibits original tool marks throughout, reflecting the manufacturing process of the era, with matching serial numbers on all major components in accordance with Military Acceptance Office standards. The breech face and hammer face show no wear marks, while the frame, slide rails, and recoil face retain their original tool marks. The pistol is fitted with its original Bakelite grips, which were the standard material used by the Germans for pistol grips during that time. Additionally, the Mauser code "byf" is stamped on the slide, and the serial number 2108d matches across all components, further confirming the authenticity of this P-38. The Knights Cross and presentation case, along with the owner’s manual, are serially matched to the P-38's serial number and are new production. For maximum collector value, it is recommended that all serial-numbered components remain together.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Mauser Code “byf” Imported by Mitchell's Mauser
Model: P.38
Serial: 2108d
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Fixed U-Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Serrated Black Bakelite
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / This example features all matching serial numbers and original German WWII proof and acceptance markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P.38 stands as a pioneering design in semi-automatic pistols, incorporating technical innovations still influential in modern firearms like the Beretta 92FS and its M9 variant. It introduced the first locked-breech mechanism paired with a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. This allowed users to chamber a round and safely lower the hammer using a safety-decocking lever, rendering the pistol ready for immediate action with a long, double-action trigger pull. Subsequent shots utilized single-action mode, where the firing mechanism extracted the spent round, cocked the hammer, and chambered a fresh round automatically. A unique feature was its loaded chamber indicator—a protruding metal rod at the rear of the slide signaling a chambered round. The P.38's moving-barrel mechanism, actuated by a hinged locking piece, enhanced accuracy by maintaining barrel-slide alignment during recoil. Notably, the pistol ejected spent casings to the left, contrary to most designs. Initial production featured walnut grips, later replaced by Bakelite, and post-war variants included sheet metal grips known as "Gray Ghosts" due to their distinctive parkerizing and grip material.
Model: P.38
Serial: 2108d
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Fixed U-Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Serrated Black Bakelite
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / This example features all matching serial numbers and original German WWII proof and acceptance markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P.38 stands as a pioneering design in semi-automatic pistols, incorporating technical innovations still influential in modern firearms like the Beretta 92FS and its M9 variant. It introduced the first locked-breech mechanism paired with a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. This allowed users to chamber a round and safely lower the hammer using a safety-decocking lever, rendering the pistol ready for immediate action with a long, double-action trigger pull. Subsequent shots utilized single-action mode, where the firing mechanism extracted the spent round, cocked the hammer, and chambered a fresh round automatically. A unique feature was its loaded chamber indicator—a protruding metal rod at the rear of the slide signaling a chambered round. The P.38's moving-barrel mechanism, actuated by a hinged locking piece, enhanced accuracy by maintaining barrel-slide alignment during recoil. Notably, the pistol ejected spent casings to the left, contrary to most designs. Initial production featured walnut grips, later replaced by Bakelite, and post-war variants included sheet metal grips known as "Gray Ghosts" due to their distinctive parkerizing and grip material.
The Walther P.38, a pivotal German military pistol during World War II, underwent initial development from 1937 to 1939, resulting in the first Model HP (Heerespistole or "army pistol"), which underwent various engineering iterations. Early production included fulfilling a Swedish contract in 1939. The designation P.38 signified its adoption by the Wehrmacht in 1938, although the exact adoption date remains unspecified. The transition from the HP to the mechanically identical P.38-marked pistols occurred between 1939 and 1940. During WWII, production of the P.38 was handled by Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk. To obscure manufacturer identities, each used a letter code: ac for Walther, byf for Mauser, and cyq (later cvq due to a broken die) for Spreewerk. Production was organized into blocks of 10,000 sequentially numbered pistols, with each block assigned a consecutive letter suffix. In total, 1,277,680 P.38 pistols were produced: 617,585 by Walther, 372,875 by Mauser, and 287,220 by Spreewerk. Spreewerk's production ceased in April 1945, marked by the transition from cyq to cvq due to a die malfunction.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the velvet-lined, French-fitted presentation case serially numbered to the gun, Knights Cross to the Iron Cross serially numbered to the gun, serialized letter of certification, serialized owner's manual, and all other contents as pictured above!
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.
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.
