This is a fabulous example of a rare, all matching Serial Number "04" Walther Model AP (Armee-Pistole) prototype pistol rig, that includes its original matching factory combination walnut shoulder stock/holster and two original matching serialized magazines. This pistol is consecutively serial numbered to the other Walther Model AP pistol also featured in this auction. This "AP" model was a continuation of the very early Walther M.P. designs which also incorporated the early "concealed hammer" design. During this time the Walther factory was continuing to experiment and prototype this design to see which features worked the best from both a functioning and a production aspects, so many of these early "Armee Pistols" were slightly different. Therefore each one should be considered as a separate design/development model. This example has the early swinging locking block, twin recoil springs on the frame, longer 8 inch barrel with a machined takedown lever with larger checkered head, and larger machined slide release lever. Most of these features were later incorporated into standard Walther HP and P38 production pistols. The sides of the slide also have a unique single reinforcing rib on each side and the concealed, internal hammer, characteristic of "Mod AP" pistols. It is estimated that these early prototypes were produced circa 1935-37, with only a handful known to exist in the world today. This example features the all steel frame with the longer rear frame area (below the slide serrations) that has been machined to accept the accompanying original Walther combination wooden shoulder stock/holster. The left side of the slide on the reinforcing rib is marked: "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur)" and below that it has the Walther Banner followed by "Armee-Pistole Cal. 9 m/m". The right side of the slide below the reinforcing rib it is marked "Walther's Patent". The right side of the frame is stamped with serial number "04". This example has the original Walther factory wraparound two-piece grips that have the full checkered panels on each side with a lanyard loop on the lower left side. The serial number, "04" is located on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard bow and again inside the frame, (4), the right side of the barrel lug, the right side of the locking block and the top, right side slide rail. Additionally the rear underside, cut out area of the slide and firing pin are both stamped "4". It is fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips with the full length checkering on each side that are also numbered on the back side of each grip panel, with a stamped number "4" and also written in pencil with a number "4". This rare pistol includes two matching early all blued and all machined Walther magazines that are marked on the lower left side: "04-7 and 04-8". As noted this rare pistol rig includes its original matching combination walnut shoulder stock/holster, which has a very unique, heavily machined attaching iron on the front end, for attaching to the rear of the frame. These early stock designs are very similar to the early Mauser Broomhandle pistol stocks in that the inside was machined (hollowed out) to store the pistol along with an extra slot for storing the spare magazine. Additionally inside the lid there is an area that holds a small and extremely rare flat screwdriver/take down tool. The upper flat of the stock under the lid is also stamped "04". The holster comes complete with its original Walther AP green canvas stock carrier. This carrier looks and functions like the later 1930 Mauser Broomhandle leather carriers in that it has a double belt loop on the back side and obviously is intended to be worn on a belt with the wooden holster inserted in the carrier and the pistol inside the holster. There is limited original factory information on this specific design for obvious reasons; but, there are two excellent reference books that provide historical, factual information on this model. The first is "Walther Vol. III, 1908-1980", by Rankin on pp. 72-73 and the second is "The P38 Pistol" by Buxton, Vol I, pp. 31-33, and pp. 48-67. This Walther Model AP is an extremely scarce and important pistol in the overall design and development of the Walther P.38.

Excellent with 98% plus of the bright original factory high polish blue finish overall, with just a hint of some minor rub marks/scratches on the right side rail from sitting in the stock, and a couple areas of slight blue discoloration on each side of the slide in front of the serrations. The grips are also in excellent condition with nice sharp distinct checkering on both sides, with only some very light/minor handling marks at the tops and bottom edges of the grips, probably just from being inside the holster. Mechanically excellent. The combination wooden holster/stock and accompanying canvas carrier are also in excellent matching condition just like the pistol. A fabulous example of a rare and matching "low serial number" 04 Walther Model AP with shoulder stock.