P.38 Value

jhaven

Sorry I am new to this forum. I have been trying to find out the value of my Great Uncle's walther P.38 he brought back from Germany during WWII.

It has these numbers stamped on it:

P.38 525a ac 45

It has bakelite handles and is in great condition I would say. No pitting or rust, handles aren't cracked at still has about 95% of the original finish.



I was told that some of these guns were stamped with US markings on them when they were brought into the United States. This one does not have any stamps on it.

Any information on this gun would be helpful. I would like to know what it is worth (not looking to sell). Or if there is any good resources online to read about these guns, I want to just know about the gun.

perry shooter

You gave some information and one picture . so you did better on your first post then many The WWII P38 is a collector type gun if all original. We would need detail pictures of ALL markings try to get them in natural light. Prices can range from $400.00 up WAY UP is a rare maker I don't think AC 45 would be in this group but others will be along and give you a better Idea.Good pictures are a must AND we are glad you don't want to sell . See if any capture paper work is available this will also increase the value.

Wehrmacht_45

I would put it in the 450-500 range as of now. The AC45 was made by Carl Walther in 1945, and therefore is of late war fit and finish. The pre 43 guns are where the real collector interest is, due to the better quality of guns churned out. Indeed there are even safety issues with some of these late war P38s due to bad metal in the decock safety mechanism. What you have would be increased in value by any accessories, capture papers, or other material like that. The AC marked guns are much better than the cyq marked Spreework guns. Those seem to be the bottom dollar ones due to their looks and fit.

jhaven

I will try and get some better pictures tomorrow outside in natural light. It is raining in Manhattan, KS right now.

I don't have any paperwork on the gun, and my great uncle passed away a few years ago. So if he had some paperwork it is lost by now.

p3skyking

ac45 weapons have more interest than less. The German war only ran until May of 45 therefore they're fewer than most all years preceeding.
There are 4 parts on your weapon that must be serialized the same to realize full value, but there is one exception to be covered later. Check the frame, slide, barrel, and locking block for the same serial number.

The one exception is some FACTORY mismatches using different numbered slides. They won't be off by much though. Your weapon was the 10,524th weapon produced by Walther that year (no #10,000).

IF it's in the condition you claim, I think the other fellows values are on the low end. I would START your value at $500.

jhaven

All the numbers match

Grasshopper

Very nice item,,,,agree with king,,,500 up for me..[:)]nambu

jhaven

I did a little more research and my finish is not quite as nice as this one.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93825995

So I would probably say my finish is in the 80-90%. Still no rust or pitting just a good amount of "holster wear".