This is an extremely rare, earliest known, lowest serial number Walther military contract P38 pistol. This example is serial number (1019) in what is considered as the "first developmental" stage MOD HP with the ultra rare "Military/P38" slide markings. This specific pistol was probably the last known pistol in this "first developmental" stage as the lowest known pistol in the "second developmental stage" was serial number 1020, which we had the pleasure to sell last year. It is estimated that this specific series of pistol was manufactured from 1937 to late 1939, with this specific pistol probably manufactured in Nov/Dec 1939 or as late as Dec 1940. It is estimated that the total production in this first group was no more that 15 during the entire 1937 to 1939 time frame with only 2 examples even known today. This specific pistol (which is not listed) and one other example as noted on page 90 of Vol. one of the excellent book "The P.38 Pistol", by Warren Buxton. The 1st and 2nd developmental stages were among the earliest prototype P38 pistols with the total serial number range estimated to be in the 1,000-1,045 range (for both Commercial HP and P38 models, in both 9 mm and .30 caliber cartridges), with the highest known serial number being 1,029, and only 4 examples total even known to exist today! Each pistol was considered as a test model so all examples were heavily tested, most to destruction or were eventually destroyed during or after the war. These early prototype P38 pistols each exhibited unique features, that were usually never incorporated into the standard production models and this specific example being no different. It is fitted with the following: 1) A side mounted decocking lever, (not a safety lever) that incorporated a rectangular shaped "retracting firing pin" and very unique "anvil" shaped hammer nose: 2) A double action only firing mode, where the hammer is not engaged at all, (which is actually a continuation of the earlier "MP/F" concealed hammer pistols): 3) A unique left grip panel that features a raised/reinforced section directly behind the slide release lever. This features was also deleted from regular production as a cost and time saving measure: 4) A very unique early style slide that has slightly thicker side rails, with rear sections of the slide machined slightly narrower where the serrations are machined in. And 5) It is fitted with the early concealed extractor. Interestingly enough the locking block has several hardness test pin-punch marks on the side and both sides of the slide have been spot annealed where the recoil spring lugs are on the inside of the slide, obviously Walther was concerned about these cracking when fired for endurance testing. This beautiful early prototype pistol also features the small "Eagle/359" Waffenamt proofs on the barrel, slide, slide release, and trigger. Obviously this early prototype pistol was intended as an "Wehrmacht Test" pistol and is probably the first example so tested that ushered in the beginning of the Nazi P38 Military production contracts. Being such a low number in this range, this is the first pistol to bear the "P.38" markings. The left side of the slide is stamped with the "Walther Banner" legend, and "P.38", with a single "Eagle/359" Waffenamt proof on the right side. The only part that is numbered is the frame, (1019) which is stamped on the right side in the typical Commercial HP fashion and would also be correct for this early pistol. The grips as noted are also early checkered black plastic with a hollowed out backside and no markings. Again all indicative of an early test/prototype pistol. It is complete with an early P38 magazine that is still in the white with a blue follower that is marked on the side, "P.38 v/U". And an unmarked early commercial leather shoulder holster and strap.

Very fine with 85% of the original Walther factory finish still remaining. Most of the finish loss due to thinning on the sides of the frame. The slide is in the white and has turned a blue/gray patina. The grips are also very fine with nice checkering on both sides with some handling marks. The holster is very good with nice tight stitching overall. An extremely rare and certainly "One of a Kind" early Walther/Military Test P38 pistol. This extraordinary new to the market pistol is the beginning of the military P38 Walther handgun!