P-38 Grips?

[Karl S.]

Hello All,
I got this Spreewerke model about a year and a half ago from a local collector dealer. It came from a vet. all numbers match, but the grips are late war stampted steel Do you think I should replace them with period bakelite or leave well enough alone ? thanks

[Dallas]

If the grips are original to the piece. I'd leave them alone. Just my 2 cents.

[Karl S.]

Thanks Dallas, I beleave the gun was made in 1943 and the grips near the end of the war, and this is the way it came from Eroupe.

If the grips are original to the piece. I'd leave them alone. Just my 2 cents.

[leondes]

Hi Karl,

Steel P.38 grips are post war French. The Germans never issued pistols with them. Correct grips for your Spreewerk will be Bakelite and have a number 1 thru 12 in a circle near the bottom on the inside of the grips. Colors varied but early 1943 grips will be dark brown to nearly black, later they can be reddish brown but Spreewerk mixed the color of grips more than either Walther or Mauser.

I can't read the suffix letter of your P.38 but very early Spreewerks could have grips like those found on Walthers of the period since Walther apparently helped them set up production and Walther parts, other than grips, can be found on the very early ones.

Regards, Leon

[Karl S.]

Thanks Leon, I guess the original grips were damanged and replaced sometime later,heres those numbers if it helps any.

Hi Karl,

Steel P.38 grips are post war French. The Germans never issued pistols with them. Correct grips for your Spreewerk will be Bakelite and have a number 1 thru 12 in a circle near the bottom on the inside of the grips. Colors varied but early 1943 grips will be dark brown to nearly black, later they can be reddish brown but Spreewerk mixed the color of grips more than either Walther or Mauser.

I can't read the suffix letter of your P.38 but very early Spreewerks could have grips like those found on Walthers of the period since Walther apparently helped them set up production and Walther parts, other than grips, can be found on the very early ones.

Regards, Leon

[MikeP]

Has the strap on the left front of the slide been broken and welded back on?

I have a cyq that is busted loose on the other side and looking for someone to fix it.

I have heard that cyqs were all thin there and this is not unusual.

[leondes]

Hi Karl,

Your cyq appears to be a "b" block. That was made in about February, 1943. The most likely original grips would be very dark brown to nearly black Bakelite with the number 1 - 12 in the lower circle inside at the bottom. It is possible your gun could have had the Walther type grips but no too likely. When part specifications changed it is possible for earlier parts to show up on later guns but usually only happens occasionally.

With the damage to your gun, it would not be classed a collector so I really wouldn't spend any money on it. Not trying to be insulting, just trying to give you some good advice and save you some money.

Hope this info helps you.

Regards, Leon

[Karl S.]

Hi Mike, It was repaired before I got it, I fired it a few times but won't agen.

Leon your advice is good,...Thanks

Has the strap on the left front of the slide been broken and welded back on?

I have a cyq that is busted loose on the other side and looking for someone to fix it.

I have heard that cyqs were all thin there and this is not unusual.