This pistol is described on page 227 and pictured on page 228 of the book "The P.38 Pistol, Volume 3" by Warren Buxton, where it is used as a demonstration for a set of unusual and unexplained markings that sometimes occur on Walther's P.38s. Overall this is a fairly typical wartime P.38, but for the addition of a small number "1" in the lower leading corner on the left side of the slide, and a "1" and an inverted "5" (note: Buxton describes this as a "5J", though the photographs and given serial number are a clear match for this pistol) on the right side of the frame near the takedown lever. Buxton does not speculate on the purpose of the markings; while he draws parallels to known inspector marks, he notes that those markings were generally obscured by fitting, finishing and assembly, while these were clearly meant to be seen after the factory was all done with the piece. As such, they represent a still-unsolved mystery. Blade and notch sights, with "P.38" and "ac/42" on the left side of the slide near the "1" stamp, "eagle/359" proofs as appropriate, and matching numbers on the slide, barrel, locking block and frame. Fitted with a set of ribbed brown plastic grips and an unmarked magazine.

Fine, with 60% of the original blue finish, showing a smooth gray patina on the frontstrap, brighter gray along the high edges, the start of a brown patina on the other surfaces, and minor handling marks. The grips show a few scratches and scuffs around the screw and the lanyard staple, along with a crack forming on the top rear corner of the left panel. Mechanically excellent.