In seek of advice on potential pistol purchase

[Aragorn243]

OK, potential auction coming up with several axis pistols that I would like to add to my collection. The dilemma is I basically can only afford one so which would you recommend, why and a descent price for each:

JP Shuer & Sohn Model H, police marked

1934 Beretta 527XXX serial number

1934 Beretta can't see serial number

Walther PP 280XXX P serial number

JP Shuer & Sohn Model H, zinc trigger

JP Shuer & Sohn Model H, No JP Shuer logo

I have a 1935 German proofed Beretta but no Italian military handguns at all. I'm personally leaning towards the JP Shuer police marked. The other two are both late war so not sure it quality is the same with these or not. I don't know if any of the others have proofs or not. Will look at them in person tomorrow. All seem to be in approximately the same condition. Decent with wear on the high spots. The Walther has a holster which is a plus.

I have $500 which in normal circumstances should be more than enough for any of them but people go nuts at auctions here.

Information

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[martin08]

It is JP Sauer & Sohn (not Shuer). Most folks call it the 38H, but the model H will get the identification across.

For sure, a police marked 38H would be the most desirable of the listed guns. The police marked guns command a 30-40% premium over a standard Heer marked gun, and 50% or more over a civilian sales.

[Daan Kemp]

The Beretta if you want to widen your collection, or the Walther.

[browningautorifle]

I'd take the Walther PP because I like it best of all them, if I had to choose a pistol it would be it. Not really because of collector's value...

[capt14k]

If you can get a matching 38H or wartime PP for $500 after premium the PP. I don't think it will go that low, but if so go for it. 1934 and 1935 Berettas can regularly be bought matching for $400.

[Ovidio]

Beretta 34. I used it in Military school and was really nice to use and funny (as it is small).
My dad had a 35 (the 7,65 version), and also that one was great to shoot.
Plus, it would be a Beretta!

[Aragorn243]

I always went with Sauer also but the auction house spelled it the other way. Probably because the A looks like an H, their photos are crap. I thought I was spelling it wrong all this time. I have a WWI JP Sauer pistol

Aesthetically, the Walther is the one I like the least but it is a Walther.

I have a Beretta 35, but not a 34. Kind of figuring if I end up with one it will be one of these. Not real keen on the last two Sauers due to them being late war and both Beretta's sell before them.

I'm going to inspect them this afternoon, I'll see what else I can find out about them. The JP Sauer police marked is the first one to sell on my list so that's good. Don't have to worry about buying something else and watching it go for a price I could have afforded later.

Will advise on markings found.

[Aragorn243]

Serial number on the "post war" Sauer looks to be prior to the German military acceptance. What has me confused is the proofs are crown over N

I believe you are right on the Beretta's both are 1935's, I don't think this auction house knows much about guns. They do have both listed as 7.65 caliber. The first was manufactured in 1939. I can't find the proofs anywhere to confirm which branch used it and it just has the BP proof and proof house markings, not branch acceptance marks.

[Aragorn243]

Just got back in, I have some research to do. The one Beretta 1934 might be a 1935. It's marked 1944 and has the 4 over UT mark that is generally accepted as German usage. visually looking at the muzzle however it appears to be the same as the 1934 and I would like to think I can tell the difference between 7.65 and 9mm.

The one JP Sauer might be postwar. Crown over N proofs. The one is police marked, the other has a German Army acceptance mark along with a commercial proof.

The Walther is a commercial pistol with Nazi proofs but no acceptance marks.

Will do some more digging. Still liking the JP Sauer Police the best.

[martin08]

I'm not sure how well the auction is advertised to the public. Perhaps it is just offered to people in attendance? You may have a chance.

But if it goes to a national online bidding site, it doesn't sound like $500 will get you very far. Folks seem to bid full retail on most items, even ignoring the 15-25% premium, plus shipping and transfer fees.

Sounds like both Berettas are model 1935, 7,65 cal.

At a nationwide auction, assuming VG+ condition, and from your post-inspection descriptions, here are my estimates:

1: Sauer 38H Police, $7-800
2. Sauer 38H Civilian $450-550
3. Sauer 38H postwar $350-450
4. Beretta 4/UT $6-700
5. Beretta (unknown) ???? General Italian army are $350-450
6. Walther PP $6-700

I think you may need to step up to get the ones you desire, if you are able. Good luck.