This pistol is described on page 34 and pictured on page 36 of the book "The P.38 Pistol, Volume 3" by Warren Buxton. This is one of the P.38 pistols overhauled for use by the East German military and police forces, in what Buxton classifies as the "Type E" style. Using a mix of wartime and new-made parts, the East Germans often fitted mixed-source pieces together and renumbered everything to match the slide, which is what was done here. The Walther "ac/41" slide has a "crown/N" proof on the top left along with the standard military markings, with the original frame markings rendered illegible and overstamped with a number matching the slide, a set of "eagle" and "crown/N" proofs, and a "15 in sunburst" acceptance stamp. The new-made barrel is "crown/N" proofed, and faint markings are present on the locking block. The grips are ribbed black plastic, and the blued magazine is marked "P.38v/U" on the side. Provenance: The Warren Buxton Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine as East German "overhauled", with 85% of the plum blue finish, showing bright edge wear, mild scratches concentrated on the slide, and scattered light handling marks. The grips are fine, with a small crack in the top rear of the right panel and light scuffing. Mechanically excellent.