Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this WWII semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction today; this is the Mauser Code "byf" P.38!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Mauser Code "byf"
Model: P.38
Serial: 3202
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 9x19mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front and Fixed U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Serrated Bakelite
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
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:
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.
Model: P.38
Serial: 3202
Date of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 9x19mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 7/8"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front and Fixed U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Serrated Bakelite
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
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:
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.
