This is an excellent example of an early Walther prototype P.38 pistol that has the early solid one-piece "milled trigger" design. Additionally, this early pistol has the very low serial number of "026a" with the barrel and locking block still in the white. This rare Walther also has the various smaller parts either Waffenamt proof or serial numbered to the pistol, indicating it has close tolerance, fitted parts that were intended to stay with this pistol, similar to the Luger design. The one-piece trigger design was a very early piece that Walther experimented with; however, it was abandoned in favor of a much simpler later one-piece and then later two-piece stamped design. The left side of the slide is marked "WALTHER" inside the banner followed by P.38 and serial number "026a". The slide also still retains the early "internal" extractor. The right side has a double "Eagle/359" Waffenamt with a single "Crown/N" commercial proof in between. The frame is serial numbered on the left side and also has the same "Eagle/359" Waffenamt proof. The barrel and locking block as noted are still in the white with the barrel unnumbered or proofed with the locking block proofed with a single "Crown/N" firing proof. The face of the slide is also still in the white indicating that they were experimenting with setting the correct headspace for the 9 mm cartridge while still using the internal extractor design. The top of the chamber area or hood of the barrel also has a small circular heat ring indicting that it was induction hardened in this area to probably prevent deformation when it comes into contact with the face of the slide. It has a standard "v" style front sight and the narrow rear sight also in the white. As noted, his rare early pistol is serial numbered "26" on the following parts: the locking block, the takedown lever, the slide release, trigger bar, ejector, firing pin/indicator cover, the magazine release and the both grip panels. The pistol is pictured in Rankin's book "Walther," Vol. III on page 93.

Excellent with 95% of the bright original high polished blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with the barrel and locking block still in the factory white. The grips are also in excellent condition with nice distinct checkering with minimal handling marks. A really nice example of an early prototype Walther P.38 pistol.