P38 Help

[richdelillo]

I have a Walther P38. SN 7XXX G. The only other markings on it are of a eagle with 359 under it on the frame and slide. It does not have the Walther banner or stamped 'P38'. Anybody have any information on where, when and who made it?

 

[1KPerDay]

Left forward side of slide should have P38 and some letters and numbers. Mine is AC41 (Walther, made in 1941).

Have a really close look at that area on your pistol. Maybe try some oil.

 

[richdelillo]

There is nothing there. It looks like the pistol has been armor-alloyed, but I can read the SN and see the eagle with the 359.

 

[rcmodel]

Well you are SOL then.

The Eagle WaA359 Waffenamt was assigned to Walther in 1938-39.
So we know Walther made it.
Probably had an AC code on the slide.

Other then that, the refinishing has obliterated all other marks that could date it.

rc

 

[1KPerDay]

Unless you can find a walther serial number/date list... but I'm not aware of one. It's possible the slide and other parts don't even match the frame... can you see any numbers on the locking block, slide, barrel, etc? All major parts are serialed on WWII P38s. Including the magazines, sometimes. (which almost never match the rest)

 

[richdelillo]

The Serial Number that is on the left hand of frame is also right underneeth the barrel on the front of the gun. The magazine has a different Serial Number on it. These are the only places where I see a serial number. On the left hand side, the 359 is right next to the serial number, on the upper part of the trigger and next to the slide release. On the right hand side, it is right above the grip and above the trigger.

 

[dfariswheel]

As above, you have a WWII Walther made P-38.
The eagle and 359 stamp was the "Waffenampt" or German military inspectors office at Walther during the war.
Without the slide stamp listing the year it was made, it's going to be almost impossible to pin down a production year.

When it was plated, the slide markings were polished off, possibly to remove pitting.

Originally, the serial number and production block letter code were stamped on the left side of the slide, the left side of the frame, the front end of the barrel block, and on the left side of the locking block.

 

[DPris]

If you hadn't already figured it out, collector value has also been obliterated.
And it's Armoloy, not armor-alloy.
Denis

 

[richdelillo]

Thank you for all the replies! I have learned a lot about the P38 in the last few hours. Based on the S/N with the G suffix I am thinking it was an AC 42 2nd Variation at the start. And yep, the armoloy ( ) finish and the obliteration of the "P38" and "ac - 42" markings make it a poor collector's item, but probably a nice shooter.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

These folks here helped me sort out my Dad's bring back. There are pages on the site listing serial numbers and manufacturing time frames too. Good luck!

http://p38forum.com/