This is an extremely rare and early production G41(W) rifle that was manufactured in late 1941 or early 1942 by the Walther factory. One of the earliest German attempts to field a semi-automatic battle rifle, the G41 used the Bang gas trap system, which uses a pressure chamber around the muzzle to capture spent gas and drive a full length rod in the forearm to strike the bolt carrier. While the system worked, it was intricate and not sufficiently robust, and would be phased out in favor of gas port operation, much like it's American counterpart/rival the M1 Garand rifle. This is an especially early variant, using a side-mounted release button for the bolt catch, a feature eliminated at some point in the 7500 serial number range and not revived in later models. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with "G41(W)" on the left side of the receiver, along with "eagle/swastika" and "eagle/359" proofs. The stock is hardwood construction with a brown resin handguard and a cupped steel buttplate, stamped with Eagle and "359" proofs on the belly and sides.

Very good, with 30% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina on the receiver and gas system, brown and gray on the barrel bands and the replacement, currently unnumbered magazine, and scattered mild spotting and handling marks. The stock is good, with numerous dents and scratches, including a roughed-up patch on the right side. Mechanically fine. These G41(W)s are seldom found in any condition.