SOLD - Extremely Rare Sauer 38H - Himmler Presentation Pistol

Description

8/29/24 - This is an extremely rare late production Model 38H J. P. Sauer & Sohn "Heinrich Himmler" shooting prize presentation pistol. These pistols were purportedly presented to German snipers for 100 confirmed kills. One was actually captured at Hitler's Berchtesgaden home. The known, recorded serial block of documented examples runs from 475396-475412. Serial 475400 is documented in Cate's Sauer book, and this example is one digit off from that firearm. There are five known examples, and the last few public sales have all gone at RIA for more than $80k! This Model 38 has the high-polish blue finish with the presentation inscription on the left side of the slide. The bluing rates at 90+% with the most notable patches of wear on the right rear slide and the middle of the right side face of the slide. Also a small patch of wear/surface scratches on the rounded left side of the slide. The left side of the slide is inscribed: "Dem Scarfschutzen-" followed by an engraved facsimile of the signature "H. Himmler". The right side of the slide has the standard late production, two line factory legend "J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl/ Cal. 7.65", which is exactly the opposite side of standard production pistols. Slide is internally numbered and matching to the frame. The pistol has checkered, black plastic grips with the encircled Sauer monogram on the left grip. The frame is serial numbered on the left side below the slide serrations. It has the "eagle/N" proofmarks on the right rear side of the frame and slide and on the very front edge of the barrel. It comes complete with one magazine that has a dull blued finish that is marked on the rear edge of the floorplate "CAL,.7.65".