Estimated Value

Waltherp38 · September 1, 2002, 09:11 AM

My grandfather proudly served in Patton's 3rd Army during WWII, earning a purple heart. He is now 82 years old and has only 1 item left to remember his days in the war, a Nickel Plated Walther P-38 he aquired from a Nazi officer.

It is functional and in absolute mint condition and he has been considering selling it, however, we have absolutely no idea on the value. Ebay doesn't list firearms it seems.

If anyone with knowledge as to the value of this fine historical weapon please post it up here or if you have a link to a site that can help me in this regards it would be most appreciated.

I thank you in advance,

Peter J.

Blackhawk · September 1, 2002, 09:16 AM

Welcome to TFL!

There may be a bit more history to his P-38 than is obvious since it's nickel plated. Does he have any idea about the identity, rank, etc., of the Nazi officer?

Waltherp38 · September 1, 2002, 09:40 AM

His recollection isn't too clear on that, he had a little weapons collection before the war ended, they only let the GI's take home one weapon, and this was the one he chose.

Blackhawk · September 1, 2002, 10:00 AM

If he must sell it, YOU buy it. You'll never regret keeping it "in the family," and it's going to be worth a lot more money and a WHOLE LOT more than money to you or your son in years to come.

James K · September 1, 2002, 10:06 PM

No one can say that a German officer did NOT have his pistol nickel plated, but far more were plated after the war by Americans. No nickel plated P.38s were issued by the German armed forces.

Jim

BADSBSNF81 · September 2, 2002, 12:59 AM

Go here :http://www.p38forum.com/. List all markings on the weapon and magazine and these guys will tell you when it was made, by who, etc. As JK said, more P-38's were plated by GI's than you can imagine. They weren't thinking about rare collector variants or what they would be worth 60 years down the road. Rough value estimate would be in the 300-500 range.

September 1, 2002, 09:11 AM	#1
Waltherp38 Junior Member Join Date: September 1, 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 2	Estimated Value My grandfather proudly served in Patton's 3rd Army during WWII, earning a purple heart. He is now 82 years old and has only 1 item left to remember his days in the war, a Nickel Plated Walther P-38 he aquired from a Nazi officer. It is functional and in absolute mint condition and he has been considering selling it, however, we have absolutely no idea on the value. Ebay doesn't list firearms it seems. If anyone with knowledge as to the value of this fine historical weapon please post it up here or if you have a link to a site that can help me in this regards it would be most appreciated. I thank you in advance, Peter J.

September 2, 2002, 12:59 AM	#6
BADSBSNF81 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Posts: 386	Go here :http://www.p38forum.com/. List all markings on the weapon and magazine and these guys will tell you when it was made, by who, etc. As JK said, more P-38's were plated by GI's than you can imagine. They weren't thinking about rare collector variants or what they would be worth 60 years down the road. Rough value estimate would be in the 300-500 range. __________________ All stations stand by for flash traffic...

September 1, 2002, 09:16 AM	#2
Blackhawk Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2001 Posts: 5,040	Welcome to TFL! There may be a bit more history to his P-38 than is obvious since it's nickel plated. Does he have any idea about the identity, rank, etc., of the Nazi officer?

September 1, 2002, 09:40 AM	#3
Waltherp38 Junior Member Join Date: September 1, 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 2	His recollection isn't too clear on that, he had a little weapons collection before the war ended, they only let the GI's take home one weapon, and this was the one he chose.

September 1, 2002, 10:00 AM	#4
Blackhawk Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2001 Posts: 5,040	If he must sell it, YOU buy it. You'll never regret keeping it "in the family," and it's going to be worth a lot more money and a WHOLE LOT more than money to you or your son in years to come.

September 1, 2002, 10:06 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	No one can say that a German officer did NOT have his pistol nickel plated, but far more were plated after the war by Americans. No nickel plated P.38s were issued by the German armed forces. Jim