Description
Item Description
ppk ppk/s p7
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this limited-production semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction today: the Walther P38 SVW Marked Pistol!
Mauser made over 346,000 Mauser P.38 during the war, and only 15,000 SVW Marked P.38's, which makes this pistol a RARE FIND!
Following the prohibition of weapons production in Germany by the Allied Command, Mauser ceased its operations, preventing the country from resuming firearm manufacturing or producing spare parts. Instead, German authorities were required to source their weaponry from foreign manufacturers. The remaining stock of weapon parts was transferred to France, where the last 500 pistols were assembled at the Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault (MAC) factory. Most of these assembled pistols feature slides marked with the svw 46 code, although some lack any inscription on the left side. Evidence suggests that many of these slides are prone to cracking, likely due to failures in the hardening and heat treatment processes, which adversely affected the overall quality of the pistols. Frequent use often rendered these firearms unserviceable in a short period. Notably, pistols from the L-block serial number group exhibit a polished and blued surface, contrasting with the phosphated finish seen in earlier models. The serial number, suffixed with an "L," is located under the grip overhang of the frame. It is believed that the majority of these pistols were utilized by French troops during the Indochina War, later known as the Vietnam War, which likely contributes to their scarcity in existence today.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Walther (Imported by Interarms)
Model: P.38 “Grey Ghost”
Serial: 383L
Date of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Square Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Grey Sheet Metal Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / "SVW46
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P.38 with rare "SVW" codes is a highly sought-after variant of the iconic P.38 pistol, produced during the final months of World War II under the control of the French occupation forces. The P.38, originally developed by Walther to replace the Luger P.08 as the standard service pistol for the Wehrmacht, was notable for its double-action/single-action operation and its reliable, robust design. What makes the "SVW" coded P.38 especially significant is its production history at the Mauser factory during a turbulent time as Germany was collapsing and French forces took over the plant. The "SVW" code is a factory marking that was used in place of the usual Walther or Mauser manufacturer stamps to obscure production details, and it is typically followed by a year or a single-letter suffix like "SVW 45" or "SVW 46." These pistols were often produced under difficult conditions, with some early SVW-coded guns retaining wartime finish and components, while later examples display rougher craftsmanship and mismatched parts as resources became scarce. Additionally, the pistols with the "SVW" marking and French military acceptance stamps are particularly rare, as production quantities were limited. This combination of historical significance, production rarity, and the distinct marking makes the SVW-coded Walther P.38 a highly collectible piece of World War II memorabilia for firearms enthusiasts and historians alike.
Model: P.38 “Grey Ghost”
Serial: 383L
Date of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Fixed Square Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Grey Sheet Metal Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / "SVW46
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P.38 with rare "SVW" codes is a highly sought-after variant of the iconic P.38 pistol, produced during the final months of World War II under the control of the French occupation forces. The P.38, originally developed by Walther to replace the Luger P.08 as the standard service pistol for the Wehrmacht, was notable for its double-action/single-action operation and its reliable, robust design. What makes the "SVW" coded P.38 especially significant is its production history at the Mauser factory during a turbulent time as Germany was collapsing and French forces took over the plant. The "SVW" code is a factory marking that was used in place of the usual Walther or Mauser manufacturer stamps to obscure production details, and it is typically followed by a year or a single-letter suffix like "SVW 45" or "SVW 46." These pistols were often produced under difficult conditions, with some early SVW-coded guns retaining wartime finish and components, while later examples display rougher craftsmanship and mismatched parts as resources became scarce. Additionally, the pistols with the "SVW" marking and French military acceptance stamps are particularly rare, as production quantities were limited. This combination of historical significance, production rarity, and the distinct marking makes the SVW-coded Walther P.38 a highly collectible piece of World War II memorabilia for firearms enthusiasts and historians alike.
Following the prohibition of weapons production in Germany by the Allied Command, Mauser ceased its operations, preventing the country from resuming firearm manufacturing or producing spare parts. Instead, German authorities were required to source their weaponry from foreign manufacturers. The remaining stock of weapon parts was transferred to France, where the last 500 pistols were assembled at the Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault (MAC) factory. Most of these assembled pistols feature slides marked with the svw 46 code, although some lack any inscription on the left side. Evidence suggests that many of these slides are prone to cracking, likely due to failures in the hardening and heat treatment processes, which adversely affected the overall quality of the pistols. Frequent use often rendered these firearms unserviceable in a short period. Notably, pistols from the L-block serial number group exhibit a polished and blued surface, contrasting with the phosphated finish seen in earlier models. The serial number, suffixed with an "L," is located under the grip overhang of the frame. It is believed that the majority of these pistols were utilized by French troops during the Indochina War, later known as the Vietnam War, which likely contributes to their scarcity in existence today.
Contents:
Contents:
As you can see from the many high-resolution photos, this example is in STUNNING condition, showing no signs of regular consumer use or handling. Additionally, this example will ship with the Factory-Original Interarms/Walther box, and paperwork!
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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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.
