Walther P38 (1945) French Occupation Pistol

French-Occupation Mauser P.38 “Gray Ghost” — svw 45 — Matching Slide and Frame — Three Magazines and 1942 German Military Holster Offered is a historically significant French-occupation-production Mauser P.38 chambered in 9mm Luger. Although commonly called a “Walther P.38” after the original design, this example was manufactured at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf under French control immediately following the end of World War II. The left side of the slide is marked: P.38 svw 45 The “svw” code identifies Mauser, while “45” denotes the 1945 production designation. French forces occupied the Mauser factory in April 1945 and continued assembling P.38 pistols using existing wartime components together with newly completed parts. These occupation-production pistols were manufactured for French use and are commonly known among collectors as French “Gray Ghost” P.38s. The pistol bears serial number 3784 i, visible on both the slide and frame. The matching slide and frame, i-block serial number and distinctive five-pointed star acceptance marking identify it as a French-controlled post-surrender production pistol rather than an ordinary wartime German-issued svw 45. The French five-pointed star is clearly stamped on the slide. This is an official French acceptance mark associated with P.38 pistols assembled under French supervision at the Mauser works during 1945–1946. German inspection and component markings remain present on other parts, as expected on occupation-production pistols assembled from available Mauser inventory. The pistol retains the characteristic gray military finish associated with these late and immediate postwar examples. It is fitted with brown ribbed grips and has the standard P.38 configuration, including its exposed hammer, double-action/single-action trigger system, slide-mounted safety/decocking lever, fixed sights and lanyard loop. The metal shows honest age and service wear, including finish thinning, scattered marks, scratches, small areas of oxidation and edge wear. The brown grips show handling wear, discoloration and surface marks but remain visually appropriate for the pistol. No attempt has been made to present the gun as refinished or cosmetically restored. Please examine the photographs carefully for its exact condition. Three P.38 magazines are included. Two bear Eagle/359 German military inspection stamps associated with wartime Walther production. These are authentic and historically appropriate German military P.38 magazines, but they are not represented as serial-numbered or matching to this Mauser-manufactured pistol. The third magazine is included as photographed, with no unverified claim made concerning its manufacturer or date. Also included is an original German military black leather P.38 hardshell holster manufactured in 1942. The rear is clearly marked: gxy 1942 Eagle/WaA706 P38 The “gxy” manufacturer code identifies Gebrüder Klinge, Lederwarenfabrik of Dresden-Löbtau. The Eagle/WaA706 stamp is its German military acceptance mark, while the large “P38” marking identifies the holster’s intended pistol. The holster includes its integral spare-magazine pouch, belt loops and closure strap. The holster predates the pistol by approximately three years and shows normal age, handling and service wear, including surface marks, creasing, edge wear and areas of stitching wear. It remains an attractive and correctly marked original wartime German military accessory. This combination is historically compatible with the immediate postwar environment in which French forces controlled the Mauser factory and made use of German weapons, components and equipment stocks. However, no claim is made that the pistol, magazines and holster can be documented as having been originally issued together or assigned to a particular French unit. Package includes: • French-occupation-production Mauser P.38 • 9mm Luger chambering • svw 45 manufacturer and date code • Serial number 3784 i • Matching-numbered slide and frame • French five-pointed-star acceptance mark • Gray military finish • Brown ribbed grips • Three P.38 magazines • Two wartime Walther Eagle/359-inspected magazines • Original gxy 1942 German military P.38 hardshell holster • Eagle/WaA706 holster acceptance mark • Integral spare-magazine pouch This is an appealing and historically layered P.38 package combining a French-occupation Mauser “Gray Ghost” pistol with original German wartime magazines and a correctly marked 1942 Wehrmacht hardshell holster. The pistol has not been represented as test-fired or professionally inspected. As with any historic firearm, it should be examined by a qualified gunsmith before firing.