P-38

[Dan T.]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. Even though a little crude in the finish/machining, it still is a great little pistol.

I also believe that this was the case Suber. I'm a Deputy Sheriff in the Twin Cities area and Maplewood falls within my county of jurisdiction. I doubt if there's anybody around now with Maplewood who could shed some light on the subject. Still, I might have to check around.

[Dan T.]

Here you go Matt:

[Dan T.]

# 2

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[Dan T.]

One overall.

[rclarin]

Hi Dan,

I am one of the moderators on the P.38 forum, and I also happen to live in the Twin Cities. If you ever need more info on the pistol or want to get together let me know. The letter you have with that pistol is pretty cool.

Regards,
Ron

1clarin@integra.net

[Dan T.]

Thanks Ron. I sent you a message.

[DennyB]

A few years ago some police departments would auction off seized or otherwise acquired weapons to get funds to purchase modern weapons for their agency.
I think most have quit this practice because of the anti-gun atmosphere and afraid that a weapon once owned by a police department might be used in a crime. I know that the department that I worked for in Texas would destroy seized weapons after so many years. I remember about getting sick seeing a beautiful Browning Hi-Power being sent to the cutting torch.
Denny

[Dan T.]

That's very true Denny. Many law enforcement agencies will destroy ANY seized or recovered weapons due to the liability issues alone. On the other hand, I worked for an agency a number of years ago that traded off a Thompson submachine gun used in a gun fight with John Dillinger for three or four brand new shotguns! This happened long before I worked there.

In any case, I believe Suber's theory is still probably correct.

[GerColctor]

Dan T
The other info concerning the manufacturer's code and the WaA are probably covered by the the piece of belt. I agree with you, don't attempt to remove that exta piece of leather. I have no idea why the piece was attached to the back of the holster, as I have never seen another like it.

You guys are correct, it is not PC for law enforcement agencies to sell off surplus pistols to the public. In CT all confiscated or turned in firearms have to be documented and then destroyed by the state police. Some good, historical guns are lost forever.

One that immediatly comes to mind was when we arrested a guy with a 1937 dated miitary Luger, all matching including the mag, in fair condition. This pistol was melted down.
Joe

[Dan T.]

Joe,

The piece of belt is puzzling. The only thing I can think of is the soldier juryrigged some sort of ankle holster for purposes of concealing the pistol.

It really is amazing the "zero tolerance" approach most law enforcement agencies have regarding any weapon that comes into their possession. You'd think there would be some sort of provision for weapons of historical significance.

[Suber]

I really think it is a State by State issue with LE auctioning firearms. I have seen several Law enforcement auctions for firearms over the years here in NM. I have not however seen one very recently however, so it may be that the practice has disappeared.