This Walther P.38 is an exceptionally early postwar example from the Ulm "double zero" serial number series, bearing serial 008833E. According to John Walther's reference work on Walther pistols, postwar P.38 production at the new Carl Walther Waffenfabrik facility in Ulm an der Donau began in 1957 with serial number 001003, placing this pistol approximately 7,800 numbers into the entire postwar production run. The pistol displays the characteristic early postwar configuration: a phosphate finished steel slide, black Dural aluminum alloy frame, and early short slide serrations.

The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther banner and circle with dot proof marking, followed by "Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do P38 Cal. 9mm". The right side of the slide bears two faint stylized eagle markings and is additionally marked "1/60", indicating a January 1960 proof or inspection date. The slide does not appear to bear a serial number. The right side of the frame carries the postwar German inspection and acceptance mark consisting of a stylized eagle over "165". The front barrel area bears two stylized eagle markings and a circle with dot marking.

The frame is serialized 008833E and bears an additional open circle marking. The "E" suffix, denoting "Exportmodell", has been struck with noticeably different depth and striking characteristics, indicating application at a later stage than the original serialization. This is particularly noteworthy because dedicated export production is documented considerably later in the serial range, with export marked examples appearing around the 016xxxE range in approximately 1962, making 008833E an unusual and early transitional example. The combination of the exceptionally early 008833 frame, separately struck E suffix, and unnumbered 1960 proofed slide is consistent with the possibility of a later factory or service rework, potentially involving replacement of the original slide, followed by subsequent export processing and addition of the E suffix. The pistol was imported into the United States by CAI in Georgia, VT.

The accompanying magazine is a 2nd variation postwar Walther Bundeswehr military contract P.38 magazine. The left side of the magazine body is marked with the Walther banner, and "P38 9mm". The top of the spine bears the stylized eagle over "186" postwar German military inspection and acceptance marking, documented as a Bundeswehr marking. The spine is additionally marked with the NATO stock number "1005-12-120-0892" and "4/61", the latter indicating an April 1961 production date. The magazine has seven uniform circular welding spots and an unusual blued finish rather than the more commonly encountered phosphate finish. No original box or additional accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carl Walther Waffenfabrik, Ulm/Donau
• Model: P.38
• Serial Number: 008833E
• Date of Manufacture: c. 1957-1958
• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: DA/SA, semiautomatic, short recoil, locked breech
• Barrel: 4.9 inches
• Frame: Aluminum alloy, black finish
• Slide: Steel, phosphate finish
• Grips: Checkered plastic
• Sights: Fixed blade front and rear notch
• Safety: Slide mounted safety/decocker
• Magazine: One 8-round magazine (Bundeswehr contract, 2nd variation, dated 4/61)