My late 0-Series P38

[Silvereagle]

Hi! Guys

I haven't been on here for a long while, I have had this one possible posted before on this board, here is a link to the pics of my late serial # 012881 gun.

http://home.centurytel.net/grandprix/miscl/p38/

What alot of people think this is a reblued editition since it is lacking the "Walther" banner.

I'm thinking to put this one up for sale to a true enthusast that would like to hang on to it. I got it of the WWII GI that brought it over, he never fired it since I got it 7 years ago.....and I've fired it just 15 rounds to ensure functionality. It came with a P08 holster dated 1941

[leondes]

Hi,

Interesting gun. I have 012433. Your grips should be numbered on the inside with the last 3 digits of the serial number and have an E/359 waffenamt.

I really can't tell from the pictures if it has been refinished. I would have to examine it to determine that. What I like about what I see is, looking at the 3 stamps on the right side of the slide, the middle stamp (firing proof) and the right stamp (final inspection waffenamt) seem to show white metal around them. The left stamp was placed on the slide when the slide was initially inspected before being assembled into a complete gun. Then the slide was blued and assembled. Then test fired and final inspected so the right two were stamped after the gun was blued. You can usually see some upward buldging of the metal around the last two stamps, also.

Reblued guns are typically buffed so the buldging is eliminated and the last two stamps are blued in.

The above is applicable only to the high polish Walther P.38s.

There are some "craftsmen" out there that are restamping reblues, however.

Regards, Leon

[Silvereagle]

Hi! Leo, thanks for your input, this definately have the high polish finish on it, I'll look for the upwars edge on the stamps tonight for sure. I'm positive this is an untouch species, since the vetran I bought from took it home for his wife to use for home protection...but found it to be a little big for her to use. So it was just stored until he sold it to me in the late 90's.

[Gary Cain]

Hey Guys,
I like the purplish hue that is exhibited on the barrel assembly as well. That is a good sign on the high polish blue Walthers.

Gary

Hi,

Interesting gun. I have 012433. Your grips should be numbered on the inside with the last 3 digits of the serial number and have an E/359 waffenamt.

I really can't tell from the pictures if it has been refinished. I would have to examine it to determine that. What I like about what I see is, looking at the 3 stamps on the right side of the slide, the middle stamp (firing proof) and the right stamp (final inspection waffenamt) seem to show white metal around them. The left stamp was placed on the slide when the slide was initially inspected before being assembled into a complete gun. Then the slide was blued and assembled. Then test fired and final inspected so the right two were stamped after the gun was blued. You can usually see some upward buldging of the metal around the last two stamps, also.

Reblued guns are typically buffed so the buldging is eliminated and the last two stamps are blued in.

The above is applicable only to the high polish Walther P.38s.

There are some "craftsmen" out there that are restamping reblues, however.

Regards, Leon

[Silvereagle]

I checked my P-38 last night, and it definately has the bulging of the metal of the last two stamps. I have my own theory while this do not have the Walther banner on the slide.....since this is one of the last 200 Zero series, I think in the transition to the "480" series they began cutting out the use of the Walther banner......since the "480" series never came with it? Anyway, since there is such limited documentation on these guns I can never prove it.........and I have no clue what I should ask for this gun when I sell it?

[Silvereagle]

Check this out , I found a Zero series just #4 after mine

I found this Zero series on the net at http://www.adamsguns.com for sale for $2495.00 are these guns worth that much? Notice THIS one has the Walther banner, now it is even a more mystery WHY mine doesn'nt when I know it has not been refinished EVER?