Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #68
  • Lot #3308
Lot #3307
Lot #3309

Lot 3308: Walther AP Pistol 9 mm Luger

Rare Walther Model AP (Armee-Pistole) Semi-Automatic Prototype Pistol Serial Number "038" with Matching Magazine

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2016

Lot 3308: Walther AP Pistol 9 mm Luger

Rare Walther Model AP (Armee-Pistole) Semi-Automatic Prototype Pistol Serial Number "038" with Matching Magazine

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2016

Estimated Price: $35,000 - $55,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Rare Walther Model AP (Armee-Pistole) Semi-Automatic Prototype Pistol Serial Number "038" with Matching Magazine

Manufacturer: Walther
Model: AP
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4 7/8 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut checkered
Stock:
Item Views: 2663
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 156
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is an extremely rare example of a second developmental stage Walther Model AP (Armee-Pistole) prototype pistol serial number "38" that includes its original matching factory magazine. This is another outstanding example of a superb collection of early Walther prototype pistols we have to offer in this auction. This series was actually manufactured in two serial number ranges. The first group was a continuation of the early Walther Model MPs in the 1000 serial number range and this second group used the zero-prefix serial numbers with this specific pistol being serial number "038". This was Walther's continuing attempts at developing a suitable semi-automatic pistol for military sales for the German Army. This example like the early series exhibited the "concealed hammer" design, however it was not designed for a shoulder stock of any type. There were no two alike as Walther continued to experiment to determine which was the best design for the German military. They are still considered an early engineering design/development model that incorporated several unique and innovative features such as the standard swinging locking block, twin recoil springs on the frame, standard 4 7/8 inch barrel, with the two separate takedown and slide release levers, with the takedown lever still having the larger checkered head. Most of these features were later incorporated into standard Walther HP and P38 production pistols. The slide still retains the unique single reinforcing rib on each side and the concealed internal hammer, characteristic of the earlier "Mod AP" pistols. It is estimated that these early prototypes were produced circa 1932-34 time frame with an estimate of approximately 75-100 produced with less than 20 known today. This example has an all steel frame with the longer rear frame area (below the slide serrations), however as noted it is not machined for a shoulder stock. The left side of the slide on the reinforcing rib is marked, "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur)" and below that it is marked, "Walther" inside a banner followed by "Armee-Pistole Cal. 9 m/m". The right side of the slide below the reinforcing rib is marked "Walther's Patent". The serial number "038" is located on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard bow, the right side of the barrel lug, the right side of the locking block, and the top, right side slide rail. Additionally the underside rear cut out area of the slide it is stamped "38". 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 grips are numbered "38" on the back of each panel. As noted this super rare pistol comes with its original matching magazine that is serial numbered "038-75" on the lower left hand side. There is limited original factory information on this specific design for obvious reasons; however, 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 Mod. AP is an extremely scarce and important pistol in the overall design and development of the Walther P.38.

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 99% of its original high polish blue finish overall with only minor edge wear. The grips are also in excellent condition with nice distinct sharp checkering overall showing only minor handling marks at the tops of the grips with a small pressure dent in the checkering on the lower left side. Mechanically excellent. An exciting all original and super rare high condition Walther AP semi-automatic pistol with all matching numbers.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #208: Walther "ac/41" Code P.38 Pistol with Extra Magazine

    Lot #978: Walther Model PP Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

    Lot #1223: Walther PPK Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster

    Lot #707: Walther Zero Series "ac45" P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol

    Lot #472: Two Semi-Automatic Pistols with Cases

    Lot #249: Walther Zero Series "ac45" P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol