How to Tell When a Walther P38 Was Made
The Walther P38 is a iconic German-made semiautomatic pistol designed in the 1930s. It served as the standard-issue sidearm for the German Armed Forces during World War II. Over the years, several variations and modifications have been made to the pistol, making it challenging for collectors and enthusiasts to date these guns. In this article, we will outline the methods to determine when a Walther P38 was made.
Mills Code and Date Wipes
The most immediate method to date a Walther P38 is by looking for the Mills Code and date wipes on the underside of the slide or inside the receiver. The Mills Code consists of a series of capital letters and numbers that designate the factory and production block the pistol belongs to.
Mills Codes Explanation
- WA -> Ulm Factory (Production period: 1937-1944)
- WS -> Arnsberg Factory (Production period: 1936-1944)
- WB -> Goßkirchen Factory (Production period: 1943-1945)
- WO -> Bernburg Factory (Production period: 1940-1944)
The first three digits represent the batch or production block, the second three digits represent the unit or inspector, and the last three digits denote the year of production in mmdd.
Toggles and Hammers
Check the toggles (Strittenzügel) and hammers to distinguish between pre-war (vor 1939), wartime (1939-1945), and post-war (nach dem 2. Weltkrieg) models.
| Toggle Position | Production Period |
|---|---|
| Prewar (pre 1939) |
| Wartime (1939-1945) |
| Post-war (<1939) |
Hammer Markings
- Pre-1945 models: Will display a more pronounced ‘Z’ mark on the rear of the hammer due to the machining process at that time.
- Wartime models : Will show a shallow, less prominent ‘Z’ mark, as production had changed by then.
Grip Safety Tab and Magazine
The style and design of the Grip Safety Tab on the side of the trigger guard and the appearance of the Magazine Release Lever can further distinguish between production periods. Consult the illustrations below and accompanying descriptions.
| Grip Safety Tab Shape | Production Period |
|---|---|
| | Prewar |
| | |
| | Post-war (initial models) |
- Magazine: Late-war (1942/1943 onwards) production pistols typically feature magazines with a revised design ( Magazinkopflinge) which includes larger ventilation holes.
Sling Swivels, Front Sights, and Pistol Case
Other attributes include:
- Pistol Case: The wooden presentation case has a removable fabric liner with a silk-filled interior.
- Front Sights: During production, the front sights shifted from Blattenbruch (blade- front) to the familiar Bajonettt (bayonet-tipped) design during late 1942, primarily used in the StL41 series.
- Sling Swivels: These were omitted starting from 1941 StL production on orders from Adolf Hitler as the StG44’s increased adoption and the planned "Totschligschütze" projects replaced the Walther P38 as a standard- issue sidearm.
To sum it up :
Determining when a Walther P38 was made can be based on various details, and combinations of factors. Research has revealed different characteristics through thorough analysis. Keep your research skills sharp, comparing observations to relevant data records when attempting to date P38 models.
When determining the date of manufacturing keep in mind:
Multiple methods are useful but may not always uniquely specify the date. These elements work best when they occur in a combination: Some elements could be part of later, post-warcollection/production pistols not made before the wartime and the end of military services.
To further sharpen skills and confirm your evaluation use available literature, reputable collectible references, period production data and, perhaps consider seeking assistance from trained firearm appraisers/exchange.
