Walther P-38??
I own a Walther P-38, holster, and magazine. My grandfather acquired it around WWII. I have tried researching to find some history, but have been unsuccessful. Everything that I have found states that beside the "P-38" on the slide is a two-letter identifier. That identifier relates to the manufacturing period; i.e. prior to WWII, during WWII, or post WWII. Trouble is, my weapon does not have that two-letter identifier. It has the German swastika and eagle stamped on the right side. It has 1941 stamped on the slide, the lower receiver, the floating barrel, and on the magazine. Everything matches nicely, but no identifier. I do not believe it is a copy. I asked a gun dealer that sold P-38s, and he told me that all P-38s had that identifier on them.
Any and all help and information would be greatly appreciated.
Any and all help and information would be greatly appreciated.
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Before being designated P.38, Walther called it Heeres Pistole (Army Pistol). The 1941 sounds like the serial number as most do not have the full year stamping (there are some exceptions). There should be a Walther banner on the slide if nothing else. Or perhaps on the grips.
With a serialize mag, it is before 1942, but how far I can't tell.
If any way, post a photo of at least the left side of the slide and frame. Mention ANY markings you happen to see. This will aid ID'ing greatly.
There was a cowhand once who said that Shakespeare was the only poet who wrote like he'd been raised on red meat.
No man in his right mind will play with a gun. I've seen show-offs doing fancy spins and all that. No real gun-fighter ever did. With a hairtrigger, he'd be likely to blow a hole in his belly. L'Amour
Stolen from, and with thanks, to Kiwibird0 -
Most P-38's made during WWII had an identifier. ac=Walther, byf=Mauser, cyq=Spreewerke. There are a lot of reasons why yours may not have the manufacturers code: last-ditch parts gun, replacement parts, refinished gun, etc. Are the numbers on the gun matching? What is the finish?
A photo would really help.
Neal0 -
If your Grandfather's P-38 dates to the early W W II era, ( 1941 ), the only possible manufactures code it could have, would be the "ac" code of the Walther factory. The other manufacturers didn't start producing P-38's until 1942.
The date isn't normally isn't marked on all the individual parts of the P-38, but the serial number is. I believe that 1941 is actually the serial number of your pistol.
It would be best if you could post quality pictures of your pistol, especially the markings. It's possible that you have a early variation.0
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