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Scarce Walther Transitional Second Issue "Zero Series" P38 Semi-Automatic Pistol with 1940 Dated Hol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Scarce Walther Transitional Second Issue  Zero Series  P38 Semi-Automatic Pistol with 1940 Dated Hol
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This is a scarce example of the approximately 2,300 Second Issue Zero Series Transitional P38 pistols. This pistol has the standard exposed extractor and rectangular firing pin. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther Banner. The right side of the slide is marked with two "eagle/359" proofs flanking the eagle firing proof. The matching serial number is marked on the front of the barrel lug, left side of the frame and left side of the slide. The locking block is matching serialized "172" with the eagle firing proof on the left side and the "eagle/359" proof on the right side. The "eagle/359 proof is also visible on the hammer and right side of the barrel lug, with the bore dimension "8,83" on the left side of the barrel lug. Magazine is dull blue marked with two "eagle/359" proofs on the lower spine. Fitted with dark bakelite grips with checkered sides and back, and a rounded lanyard ring on the lower left. This series was the first of the military P38 pistols and were very well made. Complete with a black leather flap holster marked "BENSCHOW & CO. A.G. / 1940 / BERLIN" over "eagle/WaA286" and "P38" on the back.
BBL: 4 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 9 mm
Finish: blue
Grips: bakelite
Serial Number: 03172
Condition: Very fine. The pistol retains 85% plus original high polish blue finish with wear on the muzzle front and top of the slide, and high edges. The front strap has a smooth mottled gray patina, the underside rear of the frame has thinned to a smooth plum and there is some scattered minor flaking. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and sharp checkering. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with minor flex cracking and some stitching absent from the flap, otherwise the stitching is tight. One will look a long time to find another example of one of these!