German, WW2- Feb 1944, Walther P38 Semi Automatic Pistol, cyq-Spreewerk, Matching Nos 7068 l, WaA88, Possible Soviet Capture, Old Spec UK Deactivation

*German, WW2- Feb 1944, Walther P38 Semi Automatic Pistol, cyq-Spreewerk, Matching Nos 7068 l, WaA88, Possible Soviet Capture, Old Spec UK Deactivation*

An original Second World War German Walther P38 semi automatic service pistol manufactured in February 1944 by Spreewerk GmbH at the Grottau factory in occupied Czechoslovakia under the wartime manufacturer code “cyq”. Chambered for 9mm Parabellum, the pistol retains matching serial number “7068 l” markings across the slide, frame, barrel assembly, and locking block components, confirming this as a desirable wartime matching-number example from the February 1944 “l” production block. Spreewerk-produced P38 pistols were identified by the “cyq” factory code together with the WaA88 Waffenamt military inspection mark.

The left-hand side of the slide is crisply marked “P.38 cyq 7068 l”, with matching “7068 l” serials repeated to the frame and barrel assembly. Multiple WaA88 military acceptance marks remain visible throughout the pistol, including inspection marks to the barrel assembly and frame areas, all consistent with wartime Spreewerk manufacture. The locking block retains the distinctive “B b” factory inspection marking associated with original wartime production.

The pistol displays numerous textbook late-war Spreewerk manufacturing characteristics, including coarse horizontal machining marks to the slide, visible radial milling patterns to the frame web, and evident tool chatter around the safety recesses. These rougher machining features are entirely typical of accelerated wartime production during early 1944 as German wartime finishing standards became increasingly simplified under mounting industrial pressure.

A small crossed inspection-style stamp is visible to the left of the “P.38” slide legend. While possibly indicative of post-war refurbishment or Soviet capture processing, its exact origin cannot be conclusively determined.

The original dark reddish-brown ribbed Bakelite grip panels remain fitted together with the correct military lanyard loop to the lower rear grip frame. The accompanying detachable period magazine is marked “P.38”.

Mechanically, the pistol retains excellent moving functionality for an old specification deactivation example. The slide moves fully under spring tension, the pistol cocks and dry fires correctly, and the safety lever remains operational with both “S” (Sicher) and “F” (Feuer) markings still visible.

Approx. Measurements: Barrel length: 5 inches

History Note:
The Walther P38 was officially adopted by the German Wehrmacht in 1938 as the replacement for the costly and mechanically complex Luger P08. Designed to simplify wartime manufacture while retaining excellent reliability, the P38 introduced several advanced features including a double-action trigger mechanism and combined decocking safety lever.

During the war, P38 production was divided between Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk, with Spreewerk examples identifiable by the “cyq” manufacturer code and WaA88 military acceptance stamp. From June 1942 until April 1945, Spreewerk manufactured  P38 pistols at its Grottau facility in occupied Czechoslovakia, using forced labour, making these the only wartime P38 pistols produced outside Germany proper.

By 1944, German wartime industry faced severe pressure from material shortages, Allied bombing campaigns, and increasing front-line demand. As a result, late-war Spreewerk pistols commonly display rough machining marks, visible tool chatter, and simplified finishing methods, all of which are now recognised hallmarks of authentic combat-era production.

Large numbers of German P38 pistols remained in military stores or were captured and refurbished following the war, with many later entering the European collector market during the late twentieth century. Matching-number examples retaining original wartime inspection marks together with old-specification UK deactivation status remain increasingly sought after today.

*Condition*
A strong and honest wartime example retaining matching serial numbers throughout the principal inspected components. The pistol displays authentic military service wear with thinning finish to the high edges, scattered light surface oxidation, age-related patina within recessed areas, and handling wear consistent with wartime service and long-term storage. The late-war machining marks and coarse factory milling patterns remain highly visible throughout the slide and frame. Multiple Waffenamt inspection marks remain present throughout, while traces of the expected WaA88-style inspection mark remain visible to the trigger guard web, now softened through age and wear. The original reddish-brown Bakelite grips remain structurally sound with attractive service character throughout. The accompanying “P.38” marked magazine displays matching age and finish wear consistent with the pistol. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Deactivation Certificate Details:
Deactivated to UK old specification standards and accompanied by its original London Proof House certificate dated 21/12/1998. The certificate records the pistol as a German P38 auto pistol chambered in 9mm Luger with a 5-inch barrel and serial number 7068. As an old-specification deactivation example, the pistol retains full moving functionality, with the slide operating correctly under spring tension while the pistol cocks and dry fires.

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