Made late in World War II, this Spreewerke P.38 shows much of the typical corner-cutting of the time period, with a lower degree of polishing on the non-bearing surfaces than earlier contract pistols. Standing out in particular is a machining error on the left side of the slide, an arcing segment along the lower edge of an incomplete milling cycle; an error like this would have condemned a slide in 1941, but in 1945 they could no longer afford to be that picky. Fixed sights, with "P.38" and "cyq" marked on the slide, "eagle/88", "eagle" and "*" proofs on the appropriate areas, and matching numbers on the slide, frame, barrel and locking lug. The "P.38" on the slide is stamped partially on the lower machined area, partially on the upper area. The grips are ribbed brown plastic, with a blued "jvd" marked magazine. Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection

Excellent, with 95% plus of the blue finish, showing some bright wear along the edges, a mixed brown and gray patina on the front strap, and mild spotting and handling marks overall. The grips are also excellent, with some light scratches. Mechanically excellent.