German, WW2 – June 1943, Mauser P38 Semi-Automatic Pistol, byf/43, Matching Serial No. 2637f, WaA135, EU/UK Deactivated -18

*German, WW2 – June 1943, Mauser P38 Semi-Automatic Pistol, byf/43, Matching Serial No. 2637f, WaA135, EU/UK Deactivated*

An original Second World War German Mauser P38 semi-automatic service pistol, manufactured at Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf am Neckar, during June 1943. The left side of the slide is correctly marked "P.38" together with the wartime manufacturer code "byf/43", identifying Mauser production for 1943. The serial number 2637f places this pistol within the desirable "f" suffix block, corresponding with June 1943 manufacture.

This example retains matching serial number 2637f to the slide, frame and barrel assembly, together with numerous crisp WaA135 Waffenamt military inspection marks. The WaA135 acceptance code was assigned exclusively to the Mauser Oberndorf factory and confirms the principal components passed German military inspection during wartime production.

Being an "f" suffix pistol, this example incorporates the strengthened second-pattern slide, introduced by Mauser during 1943 to reinforce the locking block and extractor area following cracking issues encountered on earlier production pistols. The slide also retains characteristic horizontal factory machining marks associated with mid-war Mauser manufacture, an increasingly appreciated feature among collectors as evidence the pistol has not been heavily polished or refinished.

The left side of the slide is crisply stamped "P.38" followed by the Mauser manufacturer code "byf" over "43". The frame, slide and barrel assembly are all numbered 2637f, with the distinctive cursive suffix confirming production within the June 1943 serial block. The original "F" (Feuer) and "S" (Sicher) safety markings remain clearly visible beneath the safety lever. Internal components visible with the slide retracted retain additional WaA135 inspection marks together with the factory assembly number 94.

The right side of the slide retains the correct wartime military proof arrangement, including WaA135 Waffenamt acceptance stamps together with the German military firing proof, now partially softened by honest service wear.

The pistol retains its original wartime black Bakelite grip panels with the correct horizontal ribbed pattern. The accompanying magazine is an unmarked wartime-pattern P38 magazine, most likely a late-war or replacement example, and should not be regarded as the original matching magazine.

Numerous internal components are additionally stamped "BLANK", indicating that the pistol was professionally converted for blank-firing during its post-war civilian life before later undergoing full Birmingham Proof House EU/UK specification deactivation.

Approximate Measurements: Barrel Length: 12.5 cm (5 inches). Calibre: 9mm

History Note:

The Walther P38 was adopted by the German Army in 1938 to replace the Luger P08, providing a simpler, stronger and more economical double-action military pistol. Wartime manufacture was shared between Walther, Mauser and Spreewerk, with Mauser production identified by the byf factory code.

By mid-1943 Mauser had introduced the strengthened second-pattern slide, incorporating improvements based upon wartime service experience. Pistols from the June 1943 "f" suffix production block represent this improved configuration while retaining the excellent machining quality characteristic of mid-war Mauser manufacture.

Following military service, this pistol was converted for blank-firing, evidenced by the numerous internal "BLANK" markings. It was subsequently deactivated to current EU/UK specification, giving the pistol an interesting documented post-war history spanning military service, blank-fire conversion and certified collector ownership.

*Condition*
Presented in good original wartime condition with honest military service wear throughout. The pistol retains much of its original blued finish, displaying expected holster wear, handling marks and scattered areas of light surface corrosion, particularly to the right side of the slide. Small areas of genuine age-related oxidation remain visible within protected recesses and slide rails, supporting its original, unrestored appearance. All principal markings remain clear and legible, including the P.38, byf/43, matching serial numbers and WaA135 inspection stamps. The original Bakelite grip panels remain sound with only minor age-related wear.

Mechanically, under its current EU/UK specification deactivation, the slide cycles fully under spring pressure and can be retracted and released, allowing inspection of the internal mechanism—an increasingly desirable feature on modern EU specification deactivated pistols. The trigger moves normally, although the pistol does not cock or dry-fire, as required by current legislation.

Deactivation Certificate Details:
Deactivated to current EU/UK specification with accompanying Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate. Certificate Number 191834, certified 26 January 2026. The certificate records the firearm as a Walther Semi Automatic Pistol, calibre 9mm, serial number 2637, with a 125mm barrel. Although the certificate records the manufacturer as Walther, the pistol is correctly identified by its byf/43 markings and WaA135 acceptance stamps as wartime Mauser manufacture. The frame bears the corresponding Birmingham Proof House EU/GB deactivation and inspection marks dated 2026. The slide cycles fully under spring pressure and the trigger operates, but the pistol does not cock or dry-fire. The internal "BLANK" markings remain as evidence of its earlier blank-firing conversion prior to deactivation.

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