^Lot 1472 DESIRABLE WALTHER P.38 "AC/41" CODE SEMI-AUTOMATIC

PISTOL WITH MATCHING MAGAZINE. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 2379b. Bbl. 4 7/8". P.38 semi-automatic pistol mfg. by Walther for the German military during the first year of P.38 mass production (1941). The left side of the slide is marked "P.38", followed by Walther's mfg. code and the 2-digit year of mfg. "ac/ 41", and the S#, with 2 Eagle/359 proofs and an eagle firing proof marked on the right. Left side of the forward trigger guard web is marked "ac" (repeated on underside of forward bbl. lug), as is standard for 1941 "a" and early "b" prefix pistols. Slide catch lever, trigger bar, hammer, safety lever, and firing pin cover exhibit Eagle/359 proofing. Metal components exhibit a high polish blue finish overall, with the bbl. having been refinished at one time. Frame is mounted with 2-piece grooved dark brown pressed resin grips. Dovetailed blade front sight, with U-notch rear sight. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, bbl., and locking block. MAGS: 1 blued 8-rd. with 7 transverse indicator holes, matching via the full S# on the floorplate. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts of their original factory high polish blue finish, showing areas of wear and thinning that is fading to gray patina, a few spots of light surface oxidation, as well as scattered superficial handling marks overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting a few small spots of light pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, including the safety / decocking lever. Grips show some superficial marks from handling and storage, but are otherwise very good overall. Due to heavy use and attrition during WWII 1941 production P.38s are relatively rare as compared to later wartime production P.38s, making this an uncommon opportunity for one to acquire a Walther "ac/ 41" code P.38, complete with its matching mag. (25-4247/MLW). CURIO. $800-1,400.