P38

P38 pistol & magazine (8), mottled brown grips

The P38 was the standard issue German army pistol for the majority of the Second World War. It was designed by the Walther company in response to a military requirement for a pistol to replace the P08 (see FIR 1339). The P38 was a recoil operated weapon, chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. It was more simple to produce and maintain than its predecessor, and more reliable in combat conditions. It returned to production after the war for both commercial sale and service with the West German Army as the P1. This pistol was surrendered by Colonel-General Hans-Jürgen Von Arnim, commander of the Axis forces in Tunisia on the occasion of their capitulation. According to Sir Francis Tuker (GOC 4th Indian Div), it was initially pocketed by him, but appears to have been passed to Lieutenant-General Charles Allfrey (Commanding V Corps) afterwards (See Tuker, F 'Approach to Battle' Cassell 1963 pp376-7).

This pistol was surrendered by Von Arnim on the occasion of the Axis capitulation in Tunisia. According to Sir Francis Tuker (GOC 4th Indian Div), it was initially pocketed by him, but appears to have been passed to Allfrey (Commanding V Corps) afterwards (See Tuker, F 'Approach to Battle' Cassell 1963 pp376-7).

P.38 ac 41

stylized eagle over 359

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P.38