Pictured on page 156 of Warren Buxton's book "The P.38 Pistol, Volume 2", as an example of the "First Run, Second Transitional Variation" of Spreewerke's P.38 production. So named for being part of the first complete set of "a" through "z" suffixes used by Spreewerke, this variant was manufactured late 1944/early 1945, and includes both the early "cyq" and later "cvq" makers' codes. Fixed sights, with "P.38" and "cvq" marked on the slide, "eagle/88" and "eagle" proofs on the appropriate areas, and matching numbers on the slide, frame, barrel and locking lug. The grips are ribbed dark brown plastic, and the magazine is blued.

Fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing a gray patina on the frame, bright edge wear, and scattered handling marks. A few areas of the metal surface show evidence of rough, late-war finishing. The grips are very fine, with some scuffing and scratches. Mechanically excellent.