[Spandexlurch]

I picked up this P38 from a coworker earlier this year. I was curious to find out if it was worth anything monetarily or just has value because of the kind of pistol it is. The serial number is 128844. I was told it was made in the 60's in Czechoslovakia.



https://photos.app.goo.gl/jhnCRsAZSTJ8eX6k9


https://photos.app.goo.gl/WTEeXNUdoWDuCKhf8

 

[matthanne]

looks like a normal post-war P38, date may be correct but certainly not made in Czechoslovakia. Should have an alloy frame (unreinforced) with original version of slide.

 

[Vandal320]

Date should be on the right side of the slide.

 

[Absalom]

The gun looks like a standard issue P38, for official use based on the absence of commercial Ulm proofs and the presence of the circle-dot QC mark. I can't get to my references right now, but I'd say late 1950s. By 1963 they were into the 230-thousands.

It's in great shape, but I think that's due to a refinish; the uni-color appearance of slide/barrel and alloy frame strongly suggests that.

Value: maybe 300 - 400. The refinish limits any collector interest, and the unreinforced frame probably limits interest as a shooter.

 

[yagyujubei]

Personally, I don't see any evidence of it being refinished.

 

[Spandexlurch]

Date should be on the right side of the slide.

On the right side of the slide it shows a 3/61. It also has 3 little eagle over number marks. Here's a picture of the right side. So I assume that means manufactured in March of 61. Also assuming the eagle marks are QA testers?


https://photos.app.goo.gl/sBHM5hCY1zmxE6cg7

 

[Jimbo80]

They were everywhere for under $300 a few years ago. Nowadays $500 is not unheard of.

 

[Spandexlurch]

They were everywhere for under $300 a few years ago. Nowadays $500 is not unheard of.

I guess I lucked out then, I got it for the price of a transfer and a trade of a Savage Axis in 30-06.

 

[matthanne]

Your assumptions are good. They are at or about 300-500, depending on the area and, of course, a willing buyer.