Incredibly Rare Swedish Contract Walther HP - Unit Marked

Description

3/10/26 - This is a rare subvariation of the Walther HP that was sent as part of the first Swedish contract (m/39 code). While the scarcity of the first Swedish contracts is astounding with only about 730 estimated, this subvariation which are unit marked is estimated to contain only about 270 P.38s (about 0.02% of total production). This P.38 is all-matching with the barrel and slide serialized to the frame. This Walther has the correct Crown/N proof on the slide, frame, and barrel as well. The unit marking "I 17 No 62" on the left side of the frame means that this particular firearm was the 62nd pistol of the 17th Infantry Regiment.

This Walther has retained ~70% of its original finish, with a majority of the finish loss existing as pitting on a majority of the left of the slide and the safety lever. There is also high-edge wear and and an area of finish loss on the left side of the barrel. On the front strap, there are some dings and some consistent loss on the left side of the front strap. There is also a small area of pitting on the top strap. This P.38 has a bright, mirrored bore with crisp rifling throughout. This firearm is fitted with period-correct black, bakelite grips with no chips or cracks. The magazine with this gun is a correct m/39 Swedish contract magazine, though it is serialized to a different gun (serialized 1918).  De-cocker is not working but safety does.