This is a nice example of an rare Zero Series P.38 Pistol. This pistol is a Third Series with the standard firing pin and extractor. 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 found on the left side of the frame and front of the barrel lug. The right side of the slide is marked with two "Eagle/359" proofs flanking the Nazi firing proof. The "Eagle/359" proof is repeated on the left side of the frame and most of the parts. The left side of the barrel lug is marked with the bore diameter "8,84" and the locking block is marked "552" on the bottom and has the correct inspection marks on the sides. The pistol has the high polish blue finish and is fitted with checkered black bakelite grips. The back sides of each grip has the correct four model marks on the back sides with the unusual early military marked "480 code". The grips are also both numbered on the back sides (552) and each has a single "Eagle/359" Waffenamt acceptance proof. This 480 code was only used by Walther from mid 1940 through October 1940 and was rarely found on Zero Series pistols. The magazine has a double "Eagle/359" Waffenamt proof on the lower rear spine and is correctly numbered "08552" on the left side. This rare pistol also has the early and very scarce commercial style sight that have their painted back sides. The front sight has the original white paint and the rear sight has the original red paint both an early targeting aid to help in rapid firing.

Excellent with 97% of the original blue finish with wear on the edges and high spots overall. The grips are also excellent showing minimal handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. As noted this scarce pre-war pistol has all matching numbers to include the magazine.