Walther P.38 AC41 First Variation .
Walther P.38 AC41 First Variation .
This Walther P.38 is nearly the last of the hightly polished and well machined Wartime pistols.
It is a late "a" block pistol and was manufactured in the later part of Febuary 1941. By mid- "b" block, the finish and machined surfaces of the pistols in the rest of the AC series had begun to
deteriorate from increased production for the German war effort.
Additionally, the "a" and the early "b" block pistols were the last pistols to have the smaller parts stamped with the eagle 359 stamp. These parts included the trigger, hammer, slide hold open catch, and numerous others. The "ac" stamp on the triggergaurd was also discontinued at mid- "b" block, also to speed production. You can just make it out in the image right under the frame on the trigger gaurd.
The frame on this P.38 has the straight frame near the trigger. Beginning on the AC43 "f" block, the frames were machined with a bulge or bump right above the trigger where the trigger pin was fitted. This was to increase the strength of the frame at this point. P.38's and P1's have been manufactured with this mod ever since.
Only around 24,000 of this variation was produced from January 1941 to mid-March of 1941. Although not exceedingly rare, it is unusual to find these examples in near new condition. This pistol is approximately 98%-99% overall condition. Upon closer examination after I puchased this, I found that this pistol may not have been fired except for proofing. The bore looks brand new and the internal lockwork appears to have the original factory lube still on the parts. I may have a tough time proving it however. There is no wear on any internal parts, or slide and frame surfaces and I have verified that it is the original finish and not a good restoration attempt. The grips are correct with the correct eagle 359 stamps inside the panels. The finish is bright shiney blue with all matching numbers and clear, sharp stamps on the slide, frame, barrel, and small parts. This P.38 is the nicest one in my collection