Been said here by some smart folks already, condition Assessment from the pictures provided makes it really impossible to judge accurately the pistol. Sounds like you will have No “in-hand” evaluation available to you. Due to the fact that currently no quality photos have been provided to you, including pics of the other numbered parts / surface areas, including the internals for originality and condition assessment........
......you should consider this potential purchase very carefully
No doubt that an AC 41 is a desirable pistol, and if it’s what ya want and what ya need for your collection I understand the draw to it. 41 was the first finish change from high polish blue to a dull less reflective type blue among other changes in markings.
But even though this P38 was produced in 1941 my notes say there
...,,(please correct my numbers if I’m not right).,,,,,, were about 110k + or - produced by walther that year. Granted that the pistols produced in 41 had to survive the attrition rate and some how make if through the remainder of the war, but so did your mentioned second choice. (one produced in 42) specially if it’s early production run and there were fewer total produced in 42. approximately 100k + or -. So, for less common P38’s, that’s a good option you have put out there.
Of the official adopted P38, the zero-series / 480 and AC40 are usually the ones that command the most $.
Value is always in the eye of the seller and then the buyer decides if it’s right for them. Any early P38 that’s correct and nice is a desired item for collectors of that type for sure. I believe there have been some accurate opinions outlined here previous to this post and some good advice for you to think on.
. Hope all this helps in your decision.
Steveo
