P38 experts please check in

[GoRon]

My buddy just received a P38 in a trade.

He doesn't do the Internet thing so he asked me to to get the facts on line for him.

It is a Walther Military AC42 of the second variation.

It is in well used condition. Bluing worn in places.

It came with one mag and a brown leather holster.

This about all I know and have been able to find on the Internet.

How rare is it and what is its approx value?

What should we look for other than matching serial #'s ?

 

[PX15]

There is a dedicated P38 forum... Just to to www.P38forum.com and you should be good to go. This group of folks know everything you need and are willing to share the info happily..

I think the Moderators name is (or was) Orv Richart, or something close to that. Apparently that gentleman is a walking encyclopedia for all things P38 and I'm sure he can put your friend (thru you) on the right track..

I have a surplus P1 and it has been an excellent pistol.. No collector value such as your friends acquisition will be, but a super shooter....

I like that, "super shooter"...

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

 

[dfariswheel]

What help I can be:

The serial number will be stamped on the left side of the slide, and the left side of the frame. (Note, there may be a letter stamped just after the serial number, and this is PART of the serial number. This also identifies what "block" the gun was made in).

The last digits of the serial will be stamped on the front face of the barrel block, and on the locking block under the barrel.

Check the gun to detect if it's a post-war re-blue by checking the locking block and it's activating pin on the bottom of the barrel.
Both the locking block and the activating pin should be bright finished, un-blued steel. If they're blue, the gun is a re-blue and the value drops.

An all original, all matching AC 42 is worth a fair amount of money, depending on actual condition, and whether it's a recent import, which can be ID'd by an importers stamp somewhere.

For actual value, the people on the above referenced board will be of better help.