Rare End-of-War Parts P.38 - Test Eagle on Trigger Guard

Description

4/22/24 - This is a rare End-of-War parts P.38, featuring a Walther frame, Mauser slide and Spreewerk magazine. It has a Late Date AC Frame, which indicates it is an armorers replacement frame from Walther. This example also has a scarce "Test Eagle" on the trigger guard, reminiscent of early Mauser HScs. The frame has the beautiful copper color found on some late war Walthers (1944-45), and the Mauser BYF 44 slide has no serial number. The right side has the "WaA135" and firing proofs, and is notably missing the final inspection proof. The barrel and locking block have no numbers, and are also Mauser proofed. The locking block is "WaA135" proofed and numbered 411. These guns were made in the early months of 1945, just before the war's end. The general speculation is that these guns were not made at the Walther or Mauser factories. In an effort to increase production, labor services were sought outside of the factories, with any parts they could get, much of which were spare, salvaged or armorer's parts. One theory is they were built using the camp labor at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp. The magazine is Eagle 88 marked on the spine. Also, the de-cocker does not work correctly (probably never did) but the safety does work. The gun has retained nearly all of its original finish, with just some minor thinning on the front grip strap. While there isn't much actual finish loss, there is some light freckling and minor signs of oxidation throughout the metal parts. Minty bore, with almost no evidence of use. Late war Walther style grips.