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Spectacular Pre-War Walther Commercial Model "HP" Pistol in "Single Action" Only, In 7.65mm Luger Ca

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Spectacular Pre-War Walther Commercial Model  HP  Pistol in  Single Action  Only, In 7.65mm Luger Ca
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Estimate: $20000 - 40000
This is the ultimate find for the advanced Walther collector. This is an example of a extremely rare and elusive pre-war Walther model HP pistol that was produced in the "single action only" mechanism in the 7.65mm Luger Auto caliber. These early commercial pistols were a continuation of the original pre-war HP pistols that were intended specifically for commercial sale in Europe and the US. These single action only HPs are extremely rare with these models being produced in the September 1940 time frame and were not earlier production pistols that were simply converted into a single action type functioning but, were a deliberate Walther redesign with specific difference internally. The serial number range for this specific model has been estimated as being in the, low 3100s to 3259, thereby indicating that this specific pistol, is the highest recorded serial number for this model, as listed on page 85-86 of the book, P38 PISTOL by Buxton. It is estimated that only 10-15 of this single action only model were ever produced with approximately 7 identified to date. Obviously making this example one of the rarest of the early Walther P38s. All these single action pistols in this serial number range exhibited Walther thumb rest target style checkered walnut grips, with the large push-pin locking block button. This example also has the rare factory red painted (back side) rear sight and a white painted (back side) front blade sight. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther Banner next to the two line Walther factory address, followed by the caliber designation "7,65m/m and Mod HP". The frame is marked with only the serial number (3259) on the right side with the matching serial number located on the top right rail of the slide and front lug of the barrel, with the back side of each grip panel also correctly numbered in pencil. The right side of the slide, barrel and locking block also have the early Nazi "Eagle/N" commercial proof and the locking block is proofed with the Walther factory Eagle 359 Waffenamt. This pistol is complete with one original blue magazine that is unmarked, which was correct for the pistol produced in 7.65m/m. This pistol is complete with an early, original German Walther Model HP instruction manual. These single action HPs were part of Walther's "stable" of target pistols and part of his strong interest in dominating the competitive worldwide shooting market. As with the Olympics, only Walther's best craftsman worked on these pistols. These HP target pistols can not be considered to be a typical production type, as they were more specially crafted than the normal HP.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 7.65 mm Luger Auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut/checkered
Serial Number: 3259
Condition: Excellent overall with 99% of the original blue finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear. The grips are also in excellent condition showing most of the original factory varnish on the smooth area of the grips with excellent checkering on the remaining areas of the grips. The checkered/stippled areas of the grips have darkened over time from just being handled. Mechanically excellent. This example definitely ranks as the finest of the few that are known!