German, WW2-c.1944, J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38H Semi-Automatic Pistol, 7.65mm, WaA37, Serial No. 425492, EU Deactivated

*German, WW2-c.1944, J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38H Semi-Automatic Pistol, 7.65mm, WaA37, Serial No. 425492, EU Deactivated*

An original Second World War German J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38H semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), retaining serial number 425492 together with its original Sauer-marked magazine. This example represents a late-war Wehrmacht-contract Sauer 38H manufactured during approximately mid-to-late 1944 and displays the characteristic simplified wartime production features associated with the final phase of German arms manufacture.

The left side of the slide retains the simplified single-line calibre marking “CAL. 7,65”, replacing the earlier commercial factory address roll-markings found on pre-war and early-war Sauer production. The frame retains the serial number “425492” beneath the rear slide serrations, entirely consistent with documented late-war Sauer wartime serial ranges. Visible throughout the slide and frame are the coarse machining and milling marks typical of late-1944 production, where final polishing operations were increasingly omitted in order to accelerate military output under mounting wartime industrial pressure and material shortages. The rough, dull military finish seen throughout is entirely characteristic of authentic late-war Sauer manufacture.

The trigger guard area bears the correct Eagle / WaA37 Waffenamt military inspection stamp together with an additional “27” inspection mark within a shield-shaped sunburst cartouche. Matching Eagle / N nitro proof marks remain visible to both frame and slide, confirming wartime commercial proofing under the German Proof Law. The pistol further retains its original cocking and decocking lever assembly — one of the Sauer 38H’s most advanced and innovative design features — together with the original black chequered Bakelite grip panels bearing the intertwined Sauer “SuS” insignia.

The accompanying magazine retains the correct Sauer “S” insignia and “CAL. 7.65” marking to the baseplate together with an electropencilled number “472544”, likely representing a period armoury or post-war inventory marking. The visible modern “EU” over “25” deactivation mark above the trigger guard directly corresponds with the accompanying Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certification confirming deactivation to current EU/UK legal specification.

Approx. Measurements:  Barrel Length – 3.5 inches

History Note:
The Sauer 38H was one of the most technically advanced compact military pistols of the Second World War and saw widespread service with Wehrmacht officers, Luftwaffe personnel, police units, and administrative staff. Introduced in 1938, the design incorporated an innovative internal hammer system together with one of the earliest practical combined cocking and decocking lever mechanisms fitted to a military sidearm. By late 1944, however, Germany’s collapsing wartime economy forced manufacturers such as Sauer to simplify production drastically, eliminating decorative markings, reducing polishing operations, and applying thinner military finishes directly over rough-machined steel surfaces in order to maximise wartime output. Production ceased entirely in April 1945 when American forces occupied the Sauer factory at Suhl.

*Condition*
Deactivated to current EU/UK specification with accompanying 2025 Birmingham Proof House certificate. The pistol retains a strong original late-war wartime appearance with honest military wear, scattered oxidation spotting, thinning finish, and areas of light surface pitting consistent with age and service use. The rough machining lines and simplified finish remain clearly visible throughout, entirely typical of late-1944 Sauer production. The slide moves freely under spring pressure and the trigger moves freely, although the pistol does not cock or dry fire in accordance with its present deactivated status. The original Bakelite grip panels remain structurally sound with clear Sauer “SuS” logos intact. Waffenamt stamps, Eagle / N proofs, serial markings, and calibre legends remain visible and well defined throughout. The accompanying magazine remains present and retains its correct Sauer-marked baseplate together with the electropencilled inventory number. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Deactivation Certificate Details:
The included Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House EU/UK specification deactivation certificate confirms this Sauer Model 38H was deactivated by D & B Militaria and certified on 22/10/2025 under certificate number 190431. The certificate records the pistol as a German-manufactured Sauer automatic pistol chambered in 7.65mm with serial number 425492 and a recorded barrel length of 3.5 inches. The visible modern EU deactivation mark above the trigger guard corresponds directly with the accompanying proof house certification and confirms deactivation to current legal EU/UK specification standards.