*German, WW2-1944, Walther P.38 Pistol, ac 44, Waffenamt WaA359, Matching Numbers, Deactivated*
An original and desirable WWII German Walther P.38 semi-automatic pistol, chambered in 9mm Parabellum, serial number 202 e (matching on frame, slide, and barrel). Marked to the left slide “P.38 202 e ac 44”, identifying manufacture at the Walther Zella-Mehlis factory in 1944.
This example retains its wartime blued finish, correct ribbed black Bakelite grips, and comes complete with a period 8-round detachable magazine. The pistol bears crisp and correct Waffenamt acceptance marks WaA359 on frame, slide, and barrel, together with eagle/swastika firing proofs. Safety lever is clearly stamped “S” (Sicher / Safe) and “F” (Feuer / Fire).
A fine, all-matching mid-war Walther production piece, now deactivated to current EU/UK specification, retaining its historical character and markings.
Historical Note:
The Walther P.38 was adopted in 1938 to replace the ageing Luger P.08, and quickly became the standard-issue sidearm of the Wehrmacht. It was revolutionary for its time as the first widely adopted double-action/single-action military pistol, influencing post-war designs such as the Beretta 92 and SIG series.
Three factories produced the P.38 during the war: Walther (“ac”), Mauser (“byf”/“svw”), and Spreewerk (“cyq”). This pistol, stamped “ac 44”, was made at the Walther Zella-Mehlis plant in Thuringia in 1944. By this stage of the war, production was at its height, with thousands of pistols issued monthly across all fronts — from the beaches of Normandy to the Eastern Front.
The Waffenamt inspector’s mark WaA359 is correct for Walther-manufactured P.38s of the period, applied to all major components. Unlike later Spreewerk pistols, Walther’s 1944 production retained a relatively high machining quality and finish despite wartime pressures.
Markings & Features:
-Left Slide: “P.38 202 e ac 44” (model, serial, maker’s code, and date)
-Frame: Matching serial number “202 e” with Eagle / WaA359 inspector’s stamp
-Barrel block: “202 e” with Waffenamt and eagle firing proofs
-Proofs: Correct eagle/swastika military acceptance and WaA359 Walther inspector’s marks
-Safety Lever: Stamped “S” (Safe / Sicher) and “F” (Fire / Feuer)
-Grips: Black ribbed Bakelite, correct for mid-war production
-Magazine: Standard P.38 8-round detachable steel magazine with inspection holes, lightly worn but functional, correct wartime type
*Condition*
The pistol presents in very good overall condition. Finish shows some honest wartime wear and age-related handling, consistent with a service-issued example, yet retains strong bluing. All numbers match (frame, slide, and barrel), an important collector’s feature. Waffenamt and eagle proofs are sharp and fully legible. Grips are clean and tight-fitting, free from cracks or major damage. The magazine is included, showing typical light surface wear but no structural issues. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
The pistol has been professionally deactivated to EU/UK Regulation 2018/337 by the Birmingham Proof House (certificate number 188469, dated 15/05/2025).
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