This is an extremely rare example of a very early G41(W) rifle manufactured in late 1941 or early 1942 by Walther. 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 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 and a replacement black plastic (Phenolic Resin) handguard (Number 3487), another war expedient feature intended to save on the use of wood. These rifles were intended to be Germany's first fielding of a semi-automatic rifle to increase their battlefield firepower, similar to the M1 Garand for the U.S. Military. All these early rifles featured the bang-barrel gas trap mechanism and the full length piston rod above the barrel. They 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 approximately 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 "3426" followed by "ac" indicating manufacture by the Walther factory. The right side of the receiver and some of the various component parts are stamped with the small "eagle 359" waffenamt proof. It is fitted with a full length walnut stock with the cupped sheet metal buttplate with a faint double Eagle/359 Waffenamt on the right side. 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 the sheet metal front sight cover and it cleaning rod.

Good with traces of the blue finish still remaining only on the inside in the protected areas with all the exposed metal surfaces having turned a gray patina. The markings and proofs are clearly visible, but show field use and wear from handling. The unserialized stock is also in good condition with a heavy dark color overall showing numerous pressure dents, handling marks, and light scratches from field use. The stock proofs are visible but light. The handguard is a mismatched numbered replacement. A scarce variation of early G41 rifle that certainly shows field use.