P.38 Walther
"Zero Series"
The first production P38s were part of a Zero-series, which have the Walther banner.
Total production of the 1939 "0" series guns is 2500 pieces.
Zero series. See the different Lanyard loop.
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480/ac
After the Zero series Walther was assigned the maker code of "480", and the Walther banner was removed, and this number code put in it's place. Later this year the "480" code was changed to "ac" Some pistols will even have both the 480 and the "ac", or be marked "480" with the date "40". These are known as the "480" "40" added pistols.
Total production of the 1940 "0"-480-ac guns is 39.500 pieces.
480code
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ac40
This became the standard method of stamping the factory code and year.
Total production of the 1940 "0"-480-ac guns is 39.500 pieces.
ac40
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ac41
During this year several changes can be noted. Early in the year the "ac" stamping on the left trigger guard was omitted.
Total production of the 1941 ac guns is 11.000 pieces.
ac41
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ac42
No longer were all parts proof marked. Only major assemblies were acceptance proof marked, such as, frame, slide, barrel, and locking block.
Total production of the 1942 ac guns is 12.000 pieces.
ac42
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ac43
The two line coding "ac" over "43" was changed to a single line "ac-43".
Total production of the 1943 ac guns is 150.000 pieces.
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ac44
Total production of the 1944 ac guns is 130.000 pieces.
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ac45
Standard production stopped at the "c" block of pistols when the Americans reached the Walther factory in early April of 1945.
Total production of the 1945 ac guns is probably 32.000 pieces.
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Coll. Joe Wotka
