This is an excellent example of a very rare early, double action commercial Walther Model HP pistol chambered for the 7,65 mm Luger cartridge. This model was manufactured in the third developmental stage of production in approximately September 1940. This series was considered as a special order model with very limited production. The general serial number range for this model falls between 2951-3095, with an estimated 145 manufactured, with only two actually recorded with this example not listed in the P.38 book by Warren Buxton. This example has the stamped trigger without a trigger stop, a milled hammer and the early "large headed" push-button locking block release. The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther Banner followed by the two-line factory legend, "Cal. 7,65 m/m" and "Mod. HP". The serial number "3078" is located on the front of the barrel lug, on the right inside rear area of the slide and on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard. The bottom of the locking block is also numbered "078". The right side of the slide, frame and barrel are stamped with the early commercial "Eagle/N" proofmark. It is fitted with an early unmarked commercial magazine that is unnumbered which has the polished and blued floorplate with the matte blued sides. It has the desirable early commercial fixed sights, with the raised and slightly pointed front sight blade with the early wide rear sight, neither one have the painted surfaces. It is fitted with a set of very early military marked black plastic checkered grips that have the four separate mold marks on the back sides, that read: "Cewe/480/T1/V7/1", with a single Eagle/359 Waffenamt in the middle of the mold markings. This pistol is discussed/pictured on page 118 of "The P.38 Pistol: Volume I" by Warren Buxton.

Excellent with 98% of the bright original blue finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear. The grips are in fine condition with nice distinct checkering on the sides showing some minor handling marks overall, with a light pressure dent on the right side by the grip screw. As noted, it has matching serial numbers except the magazine. A very scarce 7.65 Luger auto chambered, Walther HP Semi-Automatic pistol.