This an exceptional example of a very desirable and rare Zero Series P38 pistol. This pistol is one of the about 1,000 First Issue pistols with the rectangular firing pin and concealed extractor and has the commercial high polish blue finish. These were the first military P38 pistols manufactured. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther Banner followed by "P.38" and the serial number. The matching serial number is also located on the front of the barrel lug and the left side of the frame above the trigger guard. The right side of the slide is marked with two "eagle/359" proofs flanking the eagle firing proof. The "eagle/359" proof is also marked on the left side of the frame, on the takedown lever, slide hold back, hammer, trigger, right side of the barrel lug and top of the slide ahead of the rear sight. The locking block is numbered "761" and has the "eagle/359" proof on the right side and the eagle firing proof on the left. The left side of the barrel lug is marked with the bore dimension "8,83". The magazine has a dull blue finish and is marked "0761 +" on the lower left side and has a single "eagle/359" acceptance stamp on the lower spine. The pistol is fitted with black Bakelite grips with checkered sides and back strap, and a rounded lanyard loop on the lower left side.

Near new. The pistol retain 99% of the bright original high polish blue finish with some very minor wear on the front edge of the slide and a small patch of minor flaking on the front strap. The grips are also excellent with a few minor dings and handling marks and sharp checkering. The markings (highlighted in white on the left side of the slide), are clear and crisp. Mechanically excellent. This is the finest example of this highly desirable variation we have ever offered at auction.