Walther P-38 Serial Number

Geoff Timm · October 6, 2006, 03:54 PM

Folks,

I saw a Walther P-38 for $350 in a local gunshop.

Anyone know when a Commercial looking gun with a military type finish, SN 0591xx may have been manufactured?

Geoff
Who is a curious fellow.

Dfariswheel · October 6, 2006, 07:11 PM

If it's a post-war aluminum framed gun as has recently been imported, it will usually have a manufacture date on it.
This would look like: "7/65", for July, 1965.

If it's an ex-police or military gun, it may also have rebuild dates on the slide.

James K · October 6, 2006, 11:34 PM

We could be more help if you could give the exact markings on the slide and also the frame material (aluminum or steel). I don't think the early "zero series" went that high, but more detail would be better.

Jim

October 6, 2006, 03:54 PM	#1
Geoff Timm Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 472	Walther P-38 Serial Number Folks, I saw a Walther P-38 for $350 in a local gunshop. Anyone know when a Commercial looking gun with a military type finish, SN 0591xx may have been manufactured? Geoff Who is a curious fellow.

October 6, 2006, 07:11 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	If it's a post-war aluminum framed gun as has recently been imported, it will usually have a manufacture date on it. This would look like: "7/65", for July, 1965. If it's an ex-police or military gun, it may also have rebuild dates on the slide.

October 6, 2006, 11:34 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	We could be more help if you could give the exact markings on the slide and also the frame material (aluminum or steel). I don't think the early "zero series" went that high, but more detail would be better. Jim