The auction says this of the differences: If you were fuzzy on the three variations of 1943 Walther-built P.38s, you’re not alone, but as in all things Nazi, they’ve been exhaustively researched. Third variation was produced from about Oct 43 to Dec 43. (For the record, “First Variation ac43” production ran from ac 43 1 to ac 43 8xxxg from Jan 43-Jun 43, and “Second Variation ac 43” from approximately ac 43 9000g and ends in the -l or -m range, made from June to October. It’s a nice condition, all matching example, but the buy-it-now is set at $1,700, which suggests that the reserve (unmet at press time) is also high. It may have been the last one made that year it’s definitely the last one to turn upÂ so far.Â This pistol is 9248n, and records suggest it was made in December, 1943, after which month Walther transitioned to marking pistols ac 44. Previous reference sources have documented ac 43 “Third Variation” production from serial numbers 218m to 7932n. In that year the pistols were marked, “ac 43” and serial number, and Walther serial numbers were one to four digits and a letter suffix (all running in numeric and alphabetic succession, with Teutonic precision). What makes it unique, and a bestower of bragging rights on the owner, is that it is the highestÂ knownÂ pistol of Walther’s 1943 production. This particular pistol presents asÂ an ordinary, Walther-made, 1943-production P.38. Don't miss the chance to own the earliest known ac 45 P.This interesting Walther P.38 up for auction is interesting both due to the quality of the listing - there are over 100 pictures with it (also available here, which may require you to accept a certificate mismatch) - and the degree to which small details drive the collector market (or try to). Ths unnumbered blued spare magazine is marked P.38 on the left and has the eagle over 359 Waffenamt on the spine.

The brown double flap holster is fine with tight stitching with the exception of the tab which has one loose stitch. The brown plastic grips are excellent with no warping. The unnumbered magazine is marked P.38v on the left lower and eagle over 359 on the top of the spine. The frame has the serial number, 177, above the forward trigger guard bow with the eagle over 359 Waffenamt to the right.

The left side of the slide is marked in one line P.38 followed by 177 followed by ac 45 and the right has two eagle over 359 Waffenamts with a firing proof eagle in the center.The barrel assembly has the serial nuber, 177, at the front and on the locking block and an eagle over 359 Waffenamt on the left side. The 9mm bore is excellent with bright, strong rifling. The ac 45 was the last standard issue P.38 pistol produced by Walther. This ac 45 P.38 is serial number 177! This gun was made in very early January 1945. Buxton, in his fine book 'The P.38 Pistols' (Volume I) lists the lowest known ac 45 P.38 serial nnumber as 721.

This is the lowest known serial number Walther ac 45 P.38 pistol.

P38 walther serial numbers