German P-38 unfired - The Firearms Forum

3rdmardiv · 10-27-2009, 09:48 PM

Hello,

I have recently acquired a German P-38, ac 1944. This pistol was captured in Lintz, Austria by a US vet and shipped home. It came with a 1944 marked holster and has never been fired. When I received it the pistol and 2 magazines were filled with cosmoline. It is in mint condition with brown bakelite grips with a mirror bore. Could I get an idea of its value?

Thanks.

armabill · 10-27-2009, 11:35 PM

Go here: http://forums.p38forum.com/forums/index.php

These guys will help you out.

BETH · 10-27-2009, 11:42 PM

Can i see a picture please

johnlives4christ · 10-28-2009, 02:06 AM

if it is "captured" then it is not unfired, captured means it was in the hands of the opposing enemy and you took it away, any military gun has been fired. perhaps it was cleaned well and then put into cosmoline for long term storage.

3rdmardiv · 10-28-2009, 08:32 AM

Usually that is what captured is, however this pistol was confiscated from a house in Lintz, Austria. Sgt. Laddie J. Fedor attached to Patton's 3RD Army was in Lintz at the town's surrender. Orders were for the town to turn in all firearms. According to the vet it has been in his gun rack for the past 60 years, talked about, but never used. Fortunately it was not kept in its holster (also dated 1944) the chemicals of which would have damaged it. It took me hours to remove the cosmoline from both the pistol and two magazines. Unless this was test fired at the factory, I don't believe it has been fired since. I will try to post photos as requested.

3rdmardiv · 10-28-2009, 09:35 AM

As requested. Rainy day here, was not able to use sunlight

wonderwhippet · 10-28-2009, 12:10 PM

Your P38 is not one of the rare ones, as it is one of the most common types available. However, even common examples in mint condition bring premium prices. Yours should sell for at least $800 to $1000, and if the holster is in the same condition you can add around $250 to the value. Since it appears the vet is still living, you should get a detailed statement from him containing all the details of how he acquired the pistol, including dates, period of service, his outfit and their combat history, wartime photos, etc. If possible the statement should be notarized. All this will increase the value.

10-27-2009, 09:48 PM	#1
3rdmardiv Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	German P-38 unfired Hello, I have recently acquired a German P-38, ac 1944. This pistol was captured in Lintz, Austria by a US vet and shipped home. It came with a 1944 marked holster and has never been fired. When I received it the pistol and 2 magazines were filled with cosmoline. It is in mint condition with brown bakelite grips with a mirror bore. Could I get an idea of its value? Thanks. -->

10-27-2009, 11:35 PM	#2
armabill V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Glenolden, Pa. Posts: 166	Re: German P-38 unfired Go here: http://forums.p38forum.com/forums/index.php These guys will help you out.

10-27-2009, 11:42 PM	#3
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: German P-38 unfired Can i see a picture please

10-28-2009, 02:06 AM	#4
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: German P-38 unfired if it is "captured" then it is not unfired, captured means it was in the hands of the opposing enemy and you took it away, any military gun has been fired. perhaps it was cleaned well and then put into cosmoline for long term storage.

10-28-2009, 08:32 AM	#5
3rdmardiv Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: German P-38 unfired Usually that is what captured is, however this pistol was confiscated from a house in Lintz, Austria. Sgt. Laddie J. Fedor attached to Patton's 3RD Army was in Lintz at the town's surrender. Orders were for the town to turn in all firearms. According to the vet it has been in his gun rack for the past 60 years, talked about, but never used. Fortunately it was not kept in its holster (also dated 1944) the chemicals of which would have damaged it. It took me hours to remove the cosmoline from both the pistol and two magazines. Unless this was test fired at the factory, I don't believe it has been fired since. I will try to post photos as requested.

10-28-2009, 09:35 AM	#6
3rdmardiv Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: German P-38 unfired As requested. Rainy day here, was not able to use sunlight Attached Images

10-28-2009, 12:10 PM	#7
wonderwhippet Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,586	Re: German P-38 unfired Your P38 is not one of the rare ones, as it is one of the most common types available. However, even common examples in mint condition bring premium prices. Yours should sell for at least $800 to $1000, and if the holster is in the same condition you can add around $250 to the value. Since it appears the vet is still living, you should get a detailed statement from him containing all the details of how he acquired the pistol, including dates, period of service, his outfit and their combat history, wartime photos, etc. If possible the statement should be notarized. All this will increase the value.