🧱 Overview

Manufacturer: Carl Walther Waffenfabrik, Zella-Mehlis, Germany

Model: Walther P.38 – 4th Variation (First Military-Issue Pistols)

Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm)

Action: Double-action/single-action (DA/SA)

Type: Semi-automatic pistol

Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds

Production Era: Circa late 1939 to early 1940

Intended Use: Standard-issue sidearm for the German Wehrmacht

📜 Historical Context

The Walther P.38 was designed to replace the aging Luger P08 in German military service. The 4th Variation represents some of the earliest true production military P.38s, transitioning from prewar commercial and test models to standard-issue sidearms used by the Wehrmacht in WWII.

📐 Specifications

🆔 Identifying the 4th Variation

✅ Key Features:

"480" Code: Early production pistols are marked "480" on the left slide — the first military acceptance code used before being replaced by the "ac" manufacturer code.

High Polish Blue Finish: Early war-era finish — later replaced by duller phosphate or matte blue finishes as wartime expediency took priority.

No Letter Suffix in Serial Numbers: Indicates early production runs.

Matching Serial Numbers: Typically located on the frame, slide, barrel lug, and locking block.

Waffenamt Proofs: Small eagle-over-number WaA acceptance marks stamped on frame and slide (typically WaA359 for Walther).

🧠 Mechanics & Design Features

✅ First successful DA/SA military pistol: A revolutionary design for its time, allowing a loaded chamber to be safely carried with the hammer down.

✅ Decocker/Safety: Slide-mounted lever safely lowers the hammer and blocks the firing pin.

✅ Open-top slide: Inspired by the Beretta M1934, it enhances reliability and ejection but exposes internal parts.

✅ Cam-locked barrel: Tilting-barrel design for durability and accuracy.

🔫 Performance (Original Spec)

🔍 Collectibility

Extremely collectible, especially in excellent condition with original finish, matching parts, and proper markings.

"480" code models are particularly rare — only ~7,300 pistols produced under this designation in mid-1939.

Early "ac 40" (1940) marked guns are also sought after for their prewar craftsmanship and high polish.

✅ Pros (Historic/Design)

Historically significant WWII sidearm

First successful DA/SA full-size military pistol

Excellent craftsmanship (early war models)

Smooth shooter with good balance

Safe to carry with loaded chamber and decocked hammer

❌ Cons (Modern Context)

Limited magazine capacity by modern standards

Spare parts can be expensive or difficult to find

Less durable finish compared to modern combat pistols

Collectible examples may not be safe or wise to fire regularly

🏷️ Estimated Collector Value (As of 2024–2025)

🔚 Conclusion

The Walther P.38 4th Variation (1939–1940) is a historically significant, innovative handgun that marked the dawn of double-action/single-action service pistols. It played a crucial role in WWII and laid the foundation for modern pistol design. For collectors and historians, early P.38s—especially “480” code models—represent some of the finest examples of prewar German military engineering.