info on a p38 needed

[pfrost]

Hello,

I just bought a p38 pistol marked AC 40 and with serial number 8163b (at least 3 places on the weapon). It also has some proof marks on the side--at least on with the eagle and swastika. It came with a holster, 4 magazines and some ammo.

This gun was picked up by a US infantryman (bought it from the son) and has the GI's name and serial number written on the inside flap of the holster. The story I was told was that the GI had killed some German soldiers when they attacked a bank/radio station and the pistol was "liberated" from the original owner. According to the son, his father actually used the pistol in combat after picking it up.

I know little to nothing about German guns. I would say that the finish bluing) is ~90% there, and that the holster is almost in mint condition (it is stamped 1944 on the back). The magazines look mint to me as well as he ammunition. The only flaw that I can see, is that the firing pin was removed, but I may get that later from the son if he can find it.

Any ideas on value? A broad idea would be great.

Thanks

P Frost

I will try to post some pictures later. Any idea on value

[pfrost]

On closer inspection, the holster is marked EWX 1944 and P38. The clips are marked Mexico, so I suspect that they are NOT original to the gun. The bullets are marked MM 44 and 6.

P. Frost

Hello,

I just bought a p38 pistol marked AC 40 and with serial number 8163b (at least 3 places on the weapon). It also has some proof marks on the side--at least on with the eagle and swastika. It came with a holster, 4 magazines and some ammo.

This gun was picked up by a US infantryman (bought it from the son) and has the GI's name and serial number written on the inside flap of the holster. The story I was told was that the GI had killed some German soldiers when they attacked a bank/radio station and the pistol was "liberated" from the original owner. According to the son, his father actually used the pistol in combat after picking it up.

I know little to nothing about German guns. I would say that the finish bluing) is ~90% there, and that the holster is almost in mint condition (it is stamped 1944 on the back). The magazines look mint to me as well as he ammunition. The only flaw that I can see, is that the firing pin was removed, but I may get that later from the son if he can find it.

Any ideas on value? A broad idea would be great.

Thanks

P Frost

I will try to post some pictures later. Any idea on value

[roughshooter]

My Advice ?

Don't shoot that
gun !

Regards Craig

[pfrost]

First the holster.

Front

[pfrost]

First the holster.

Front

Back

[pfrost]

Back

Inside of the flap. You can see the inked name of the GI who took the pistol.

[pfrost]

Inside of the flap. You can see the inked name of the GI who took the pistol.

And the pistol. I think it has about 90% of its finish, but please correct me if I am wrong.

[pfrost]

close up of markings.

[sigismund]

First of all, very nice P.38, i would love an ac40 in my collection, the finsih is rough, but i would personally rather see original wear, than repair.

if you take off the slide, there should be a serial number on the locking block.
that will show if its all matching or not.

although you have a match between barrel, frame, and slide, which is very nice.

values of these in canada and the US is drastically differnt, here in canada id say around 500 US, considering it has a mismatched magazine, this price is not inlcuding the holster.

but in teh US id say around 600 US or more is a more realistic value.

if you find a correctly WaA marked magazine, your value will increase quite a bit more.

Very intersteing story behind this firearms aswell.

indeed a nice find and purchase.

[pfrost]

Thanks for the information.

I am hoping to get more info on the GI who brought it back.

Any idea on the worth of the holster?

Patrick

First of all, very nice P.38, i would love an ac40 in my collection, the finsih is rough, but i would personally rather see original wear, than repair.

if you take off the slide, there should be a serial number on the locking block.
that will show if its all matching or not.

although you have a match between barrel, frame, and slide, which is very nice.

values of these in canada and the US is drastically differnt, here in canada id say around 500 US, considering it has a mismatched magazine, this price is not inlcuding the holster.

but in teh US id say around 600 US or more is a more realistic value.

if you find a correctly WaA marked magazine, your value will increase quite a bit more.

Very intersteing story behind this firearms aswell.

indeed a nice find and purchase.

[Chris_Reeves]

wow man very nice piece, specially since its story has been told thanks for sharing

[sigismund]

its a soft shell holster, the less expensive of the the two types.

i see them sell for 60US at times.

i collect hardshell holsters for my P.38's they range from 200-400US.

at times as much as teh pistols them self

what makes your more intersting is the story, very unique, the fact the germans used it in battle, and then he used it himself aswell.

[pfrost]

Hello,

Thanks for the help. I agree, the story is the best part. I had coffee with the son who shared more of the story.

His father was in a combat engineer unit. They had attacked a German radio station and artillery emplacement, as well as a bank and killed the German soldiers inside (where the pistol was picked up)--its not clear if the Germans were hiding, surrendering, fighting, or what. It was towards the end of the war and he had lost a fair number of his buddies, so... The son says that his dad would tell different stories depending on his "mood" as to what the German soldiers were doing in the bank. Then, they blew up the bank vault and stole all the money. According to the son, his father came home rather richer than when he left!

I don't collect weapons, but this was to interesting a piece of history to pass up.

Thanks again for your information.

P. Frost