A new acquisition! AC44 Walther P-38!

[matthanne1]

congrats, you may have caught the P38 disease...btw the waa mark should be 359, 135 was Mauser, 88 was Spreewerke. Now that you know, you have a new quest, to get one of each.

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[imarangemaster]

congrats, you may have caught the P38 disease...btw the waa mark should be 359, 135 was Mauser, 88 was Spreewerke. Now that you know, you have a new quest, to get one of each.

You are right, I think it is a 359. I am assuming, as you say, that "ac" is Walther made, and "44" is the year of production. Are the inside of the grips supposed to be serial numbered? I can't find any serial numbers on the grips. I was just notified, my 1943 holster, and two WW2 vintage mags are waiting in my post office box!

I have always wanted a P38 since 1965 I was 13 or so, and saw one in Small Arms of the World. It was cemented by the fact that Napoleon Solo (The Man from UNCLE) had a P38K. The Luger never caught my fancy, and though I dabbled with Broomhandles in the 80s, I have always wanted a wartime P38! I have had opportunities for P1s when they were cheap, and even a Grey Ghost 1946. Never struck a chord, though. When my friend offered me this, I was besides myself. It is perfect to go with my S&W Victory Model and my Inland M1 carbine.

[imarangemaster]

First the Holster pics: Incredibly well preserved and supple. I am guessing the holster was occasionally oiled and was in a dresser drawer or something. It has the name " T4 (Tech Sgt.) OK Anderson" written in the flap in black ink, and OKA carved in the outside of the top of the flap. It also has OK Anderson's name and address electro-pencil marked on the original magazine that came with the holster. The are some other marking on the side flap that I think are German (posibly the serial number for the weapon?), and an Ink Stamp under the main flap.

It is in unbelievable condition. Forgive the pictures. I could not get the flash on my wife's fancy Nikon D-90 to work.









And now for the weapon. It is well worn, and some markings like the "ac" are faint, but if the light is right you can see them. Bore is sharp, with some frost. All springs seem strong, though I haven't fired it yet. They grips are original, and very brown, though the darn camera really doesn't grab it without the flash. All number I can find match. I was impressed how incredibly easy it is to field strip.