WALTHER 07/24/2023

The 0 series of Walther made P.38's were used as troop trials in the field and modifications on the design were done in conjuction with performance reports. This experimental series was made to meet strict German military requirements.

First variation guns are in the 01-035 serial number range and will have the pre-1940 "lazy" c/n proof. Very few examples are known to exist. All small parts are hand fitted and numbered to the gun like the famous German Luger.

O Series 1st variation - 028a

Second variation guns are in the 036-01000 serial number range and are hard to find, they have a concealed extractor. The parts are still hand fitted but not all numbered to the gun. The proof was changed after 1940 the e/s that we see for the rest of the war.

O Series 2nd variation - 0858

Third variation guns are in the 02005-03478 serial number range and will have rectangular firing pins and an exposed extractor for better function.

0 Series 3rd variation with milled slide, matched mag and commercial production parts - 02007

0 Series 3rd variation with milled slide - 02321

0 Series 3rd variation - 02935

0 Series 3rd variation - 03339

Fourth variation guns are in the 03520-013714 serial number range for the final design with changes made on some of the internal parts for better performance.

0 Series 4th variation with half eagle on the slide, very rare. Half eagles are in the 02687-03170 for 3rd variation guns and 03652-03989 for 4th variation pistols - 03652

 

0 Series 4th variation with matched mag - 05730

0 Series 4th variation with matched mag - 05731

0 Series 4th variation "rig"with two matched mags - 06480

0 Series 4th variation with "a" suffix, military grips and rectangular lanyard loop - 07547a

480 coded guns are in the 1-7374 serial number range and were issued to the military, replacing the Luger.

480 code - 172

480 code - 912

480 code - 5927

The short lived 480 code was changed to "ac" in August of 1940 with a serial number range of 7384-9912 it is considered one of the most desirable of P.38 pistols produced during the war because of the long service and limited production.

AC no date with matched numbered mag - 7689

AC no date - 8048

In September of 1940 the order came down to mark the slides with the date so "40" was hand stamped on the slides. The serial number range is 9988-5942a

Two AC 40 added in the AC no date serial number range with one 480 40 added..rare 8263, 9249, 3478

AC 40 added serial number range 9988-5942a. 6,000 produced 145a

AC 40 added with HzA stamp... extremely rare only three reported 329a

AC 40 added "Rig" with 2 matched mags with serial numbers stamped on the right side and electricpencilled serial numbers on the left. Very rare varation few known. 4528a

Later in production the ac 40 date was machine stamped on the slide. The serial number range is 5943a-9965b

AC 40 - 182b

AC 40 rework with odd unit marking on slide....unique

In 1941 production started with the number 1. First variation guns will have ac on the trigger guard, under the barrel with matched numbered grips and mags. The serial number range is 1-4833b

AC 41 1st variation "rig" with two matched mags and Holster - 3744

AC 41 1st variation "rig" with paper document GI Holster - 5030

AC 41 1st variation with mixed stamps, very rare. Serial range is scattered from 4610a to 7041a - 7041a

Second variation guns will no longer have ac on the trigger guard and barrel. The numbered grips were discontinued for expedience in production and interchangable parts. Two matched numbered mags were still issued and all the small parts will have the e/359 inspection stamps on them. This is the most common of the AC 41 variation guns found. Serial number range is 4833b-4527i with 70,000 produced.

AC 41 2nd variation "rig" with two matched mags, transitional with e/359 under slide - 14d

AC 41 2nd variation "rig" with two matched mags, holster and capture papers from the vet who brought it back - 7692d

AC 41 2nd variation "rig" with two matched mags and holster it has the short lived open sear - 9506h

Third variation guns are the same as second variation guns but have a military finish instead of high polish. Serial number range is 5015i-9973j with 15,000 produced.

AC 41 3rd variation with matched numbered magazine - 696j

AC 41 3rd variation with original holster - 3903j

In1942 production will start at serial number 1, for First variation guns, and run through 1806b, they will have matched mags and all e/359 parts with 21,000 produced.

AC 42 1st variation with matched mag and holster - 6673

AC 42 1st variation with matched Mag and DKK Holster - 6278a

AC 42 1st variation with matched Mag and DKK Holster - 6279a

Second variation guns will no longer have matched mags or all e/359 accepted parts. Some early guns may have a few left over e/359 parts assembled to the gun. Serial number range is 2181b-9197k with 100,000 produced.

AC 42 2nd variation - 1873f

In1943 production will start at serial number 1 and are basically the same as the second variaition AC 42's. Serial numbers run trough the "g" block and will have the early frame and extractor cut, there is cross over from the first and second variation for these changes about 80,000 produced.

AC 43 1st variation most likely from the first day of producton with orginal holster - 188

AC 43 1st variation with original holster - 6803

AC 43 1st variation with a rare Christof Neuner hard shell holster - 7223a

 

AC 43 2nd variation serial number range late g block-310m. 50,000 produced

AC 43 3rd variation serial number range 310m-9993n. 20,000 produced

AC 43 3rd variation "rig".

AC 44 with original HJ belt, buckle and holster - 116g

AC 44 serial number range 1-9496l. 120,000 produced "rig" with capture papers and vets story - 4332g

AC 44 with e/140 FN Frame - 5339g

AC 44 Trigger Guard Eagle - 6760g

AC 44 with e/140 FN Slide - 9786h

AC 44 with capture papers and docs - 3342i

AC 44 missing the e/s proof - 2286k

AC 44 with capture papers "rig" - 7183k

AC 44 with WaA76 CZ barrel - 4265l

AC 44 and AC 45 trigger guard eagle guns

AC 45 1st variation "rig" produced in January 1945, serial number range 1-2789c. 32,000 produced

AC 45 2nd variation serial number range 2572A-7874A

Four AC 45's consecutive serial numbers produced in February 1945

AC 45 "rig" with phosphated parts produced in March of 1945

AC 45 "rig" very similar to the one above, near the end of WWII production.

AC 45 with fnh WaA76 barrel

AC 45 8419b late war, missing the final acceptance stamp

AC 45 9984b missing final stamp

AC 45 "c" block all matching missing test proof parts produced in April 1945 - 258c

AC 45 "c" block all matched - 1678c

Three AC 45's Mismatched, made for American GI's who occupied the Walter plant.

AC 45 with a "d" block barrel and FN frame - 2270c

AC 45 with "in the white" hammer and no serial number on the frame

Mod HP frame gun from left over parts at the Walther factory for GI's with rare FN slide - 18376

AC Late frame made from spare parts with byf slide

AC Late frame made from spare parts with ac 41 slide

DOV slide gun with paperwork from the vet and Warren Buxton

Nickel plated AC41 with matched mag