Overview

The P.38 (Pistole 38) was adopted by the German military in 1938 as a replacement for the aging Luger P08. Manufactured during World War II by Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk, the P.38 was a revolutionary sidearm, becoming the first widely issued military pistol with a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. Chambered in 9mm Parabellum, it balanced firepower, reliability, and innovative engineering.

Specifications

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9×19mm)

Action: Short-recoil, DA/SA semi-automatic

Capacity: 8-round detachable single-stack magazine

Barrel Length: 5 inches (125 mm)

Overall Length: 8.5 inches (216 mm)

Weight (unloaded): ~34 oz (similar to the Colt 1911)

Sights: Fixed front blade, rear notch

Safety/Decocker: Manual safety lever doubles as a decocker

Design & Features

Innovative Action: The DA/SA trigger allowed the first shot to be fired from a decocked position, greatly increasing safety in combat.

Fixed Barrel: The barrel is secured to the frame, enhancing accuracy and durability.

Production Codes: Wartime pistols carry coded markings such as “ac” (Walther), “byf” (Mauser), or “cyq” (Spreewerk), along with the year of manufacture.

Finish: Early pistols feature high-polish blue finishes, while later wartime examples often have rougher machining and phosphate finishes due to resource shortages.

Original Holster

The included original P.38 holster is a significant accessory that enhances both the collectability and authenticity of the pistol. Typical holster details include:

Construction: Stiff, molded leather designed to hold the pistol securely.

Markings: Usually stamped with “P.38” and a manufacturer’s code with a date (e.g., 1943 or 1944).

Color: Generally black or brown leather depending on year and manufacturer.

Features: Magazine pouch on the front and flap closure with belt loops on the rear.

Historical Significance

Produced in large numbers during WWII, the P.38 served as the standard sidearm for the Wehrmacht.

Its engineering directly influenced post-war pistol designs, including the Walther P1 (the aluminum-framed successor used by the Bundeswehr).

A P.38 with its original wartime holster is highly sought after by collectors due to its combat provenance and historical importance.

Summary

The Mauser/Walther P.38 9mm Parabellum with Original Holster represents a milestone in military firearms development. It combines innovative design, robust wartime manufacture, and authentic field-issued accessories. With its DA/SA trigger system, fixed barrel accuracy, and accompanying leather holster, it remains one of the most iconic handguns of the 20th century—valued equally as a collectible and as a functional firearm.