Lot 553: Documented French Police Mauser "svw/46" P.38 Pistol

This pistol is pictured on page 59 of the book "The P.38 Pistol, Volume 2" by Warren Buxton, as part of a section on Mauser P.38s manufactured under French control, for issue to French police forces. In the related text, Buxton notes that police-issue P.38s were very rare; the French Army was #1, no contest, on the priority list to receive new-made Walther pistols, with the police issuing everything from 7.65mm pocket guns to American 1911A1s, depending on what was available. Police P.38s were primarily limited to units of a national-level paramilitary nature, such as the Republican Security Corps and the Mounted Republican Guard. Fixed sights, with "P.38", "svw/46" and the French "star" mark on the slide, and matching numbers on the slide, barrel, locking block and frame. Fitted with a set of "gray ghost" pattern metal grips and a blued magazine marked "10/61" on the spine.

Very fine, with 85% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, bright edge wear, and mild handling marks. The grips are also very fine, with mild wear and scratches. The slide catch needs some adjustment, otherwise mechanically excellent.