This is an extremely rare and very early production G41(W) rifle manufactured in late 1941 or early 1942 by the Walther factory. This specific rifle has the very rare push button bolt release mechanism found only on the very earliest first series of rifles. This push button release is found on the left side of the stock below the bolt carrier and was intended to release the bolt and bolt carrier group after the rifle was loaded. This feature was discontinued in the 7500 serial number range, making these rifles an even more rare production variation. It has all machined parts, with a full-length walnut stock with no visible proofmarks and the black plastic (Phonelic Resin) handguard, another war expedient feature intended to save on the use of wood. Certainly by looking at the stock the proofs have just lifted over time as the wood shows no cleaning or sanding. These rifles were intended to be the first fielding of a semi-automatic rifle to increase battle field firepower similar to the rationale for fielding the M1 Garand. All these early rifles featured the Bang-barrel gas trap mechanism, with the full length piston rod above the barrel. These early models were the forerunners to the G43 series of rifles but proved too costly to manufacture and not robust enough for long term use. It is estimated that only 10,000 of this version were manufactured before they were changed to the more reliable G/K-43 series of rifles. These rifles have the Type One receiver and bolt carrier. The left side of the receiver is marked G 41(W) with the serial number "3638ac" stamped behind that on the upper portion of the receiver with a single German Eagle firing proof behind that. Both the left and right side of the receiver and the various component parts have the "Eagle 359" proof. The handguard is the early, unnumbered version marked inside "PAG", indicating manufactured by the Prague Essen Werks, along with a mold number of 2270. It is complete with a correct WWII smooth leather German sling.

Fine overall with 40% plus of the original blue finish remaining. The finish loss is mainly on the exposed metal parts which show a smooth silver gray patina finish from actual field use with nice original blue remaining in the protected areas. The stock and handguard are also both in very good condition with a nice original dark brown color showing normal handling marks and a few small minor gouges overall from field use. The rifle has matching numbers on all the exposed parts. This rifle would certainly be the centerpiece of any advanced German rifle collection.