This is a scarce example of the approximately 2,300 Second Issue Zero Series P38 pistols. This pistol has the standard extractor and rectangular firing pin. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther Banner, "P.38" and the serial number. Directly below the Walther Banner is a small milled rectangle. The cartouche milled area was put there to remove the 480 code that was put on by mistake. Though Walther had been issued with "480" as it's code, it was to be used on P-38's after the "0" series contract was finished (see Buxtons book "The P.38 Pistol volume one). The right side of the slide is marked with two "eagle/359" proofs flanking the eagle firing proof. The matching serial number is marked on the front of the barrel lug, left side of the frame and left side of the slide. The locking block is matching serialized "269" with the eagle firing proof on the left side and the "eagle/359" proof on the right side. The "eagle/359 proof is also visible on the hammer and right side of the barrel lug, with the bore dimension "8,82" on the left side of the barrel lug. Magazine is dull blue marked "03760 +" on the lower left side and marked with two "eagle/359" proofs on the lower spine. The rear sight face has been painted red and the front sight white. Fitted with rust colored Bakelite grips with checkered sides and back, and a rounded lanyard ring on the lower left. This series was the first of the military P38 pistols and were very well made.

Excellent as factory refinished (see Warren Buxton's write up concerning these unusual pistols), with 98% high polish blue finish remaining. Finish loss is limited to minor wear the front edge of the slide. Overall there are a few minor scratches. The grips are excellent with a few minor dings and scuffs, and crisp checkering. Some of the proofmarks are faded, otherwise the markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.