Walther P38 9mm, 1968 West German, High-Polish 'Poliert' Finish, Interarms Import, Pre-P38/II Slide, 4.9 in Barrel
This 1968 West German Walther P38 is a commercial Ulm/Do. export gun with the factory high-polish "poliert" presentation finish and Interarms import markings. It features the earlier pre-P38/II thin (non-reinforced) slide profile, correct West German proofs including the Ulm antler, and a frame stamp of "Made in West-Germany." The pistol comes with a factory-labeled box and matching factory test target, underscoring its documented provenance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: The pistol presents in great shape with minor scratches and small blemishes visible under close inspection. Surfaces show careful handling with no distracting wear. The bore is bright and reflective, indicating proper maintenance.
What’s Included
- Two factory Walther P38 8-round magazines (Walther banner marked)
- Checkered wood grips (not installed)
- Walther Auto Pistol Model P 38 Cal. 9 mm Parabellum manual
- Cleaning rod
- Walther factory cardboard box with model/finish label 'P 38 (poliert)' and matching serial
- Walther factory test target for Model P 38 with matching serial
Commercially produced at Ulm/Do. for export in 1968, this P38 carries the Ulm antler proof and West German inspection marks, along with a "Made in West-Germany" frame stamp. The slide is import-marked "Distributed by INTERARMS Alexandria/Virg. USA," confirming its original U.S. distribution path.
The pistol wears the desirable factory high-polish "poliert" finish, a presentation-grade option that showcases deep, uniform bluing on the slide and barrel, with the aluminum alloy frame finished in a polished black anodized (Eloxal). Its pre-P38/II thin (non-reinforced) slide profile represents the earlier postwar commercial pattern.
Mechanically, it uses the classic DA/SA, short-recoil, falling locking-block system with a slide-mounted safety/decocker and red "F" fire indicator. The open-top slide design and fixed sights (front blade on the barrel, rear notch in the slide) complete the traditional P38 layout.
Construction combines a carbon steel barrel with an aluminum alloy frame to balance durability and carry weight. A lanyard loop at the heel, full-size layout, a 4.9 in barrel, and approximately 8.5 in overall length reflect the standard P38 service dimensions.
Capacity is 8+1 via a single-column magazine, and this example includes two factory Walther banner-marked magazines. Installed grips are black checkered synthetic panels with thumb-groove contouring, with an additional set of checkered wood grips included but not installed.