It's more than just a frame. It's really a whole gun.
But the name of 'late ac frame gun' is given to a specific group of German P.38 pistols which were built with specifically marked Walther frames (ac code) and generally with Mauser slides (byf code). Most are found with Spreewerk barrels, but some will have Walther or Mauser barrels. Locking blocks may also be found as previously marked or unmarked from any of the three P.38 manufacturers. Small parts may appear as unfinished and crudely fitted, and some small parts can be hand made outside of the factories. No serial numbers are found on the frame, and in most cases, neither the slide nor barrel.
It is unclear where or when this pistol variation was assembled, other than from Europe in late WWII or early post-war. Some are documented as GI bringbacks. It is clear that a significant inventory of parts from all three manufactures were present at assembly, and much crude fitting and improvised parts substitution occurred.
It is theorized that these could have been assembled anywhere from late war expedient field armories, through labor camps, to post-war depots for GI souvenirs - and likely using armorer or factory second parts. They do have German firing proofs which suggest war time, but no final military acceptance stamps. To my knowledge, none have been found with import marks or Russian Capture evidence.
With no serial number references to create a database, it is difficult to even place a guess as to the total production numbers. But from the few occurrences of sightings in the wild, it is appropriate to deem them as scarce. They are desirable collector's items.
One part of the gun which is consistently distinctive will be the plum/copper colored frame, with the ac code located to the right of the Eagle/359 Walther factory stamp. Mine has the crudely constructed, fitted, and in-the-white hammer and take down lever. The front sight also looks like it was forced into place. It has no outward serial numbers. The previously numbered locking block from Walther is a very loose fit, and will drop out of the Mauser barrel frame as soon as the slide is removed. The recoil spring guides are built from grip screws.
It's a gorgeous pistol, and has no internal wear from firing. I just wish I could capture the rich color tones better with my photography. But there should be plenty of pics to enjoy.
As always, thanks for looking folks.
But the name of 'late ac frame gun' is given to a specific group of German P.38 pistols which were built with specifically marked Walther frames (ac code) and generally with Mauser slides (byf code). Most are found with Spreewerk barrels, but some will have Walther or Mauser barrels. Locking blocks may also be found as previously marked or unmarked from any of the three P.38 manufacturers. Small parts may appear as unfinished and crudely fitted, and some small parts can be hand made outside of the factories. No serial numbers are found on the frame, and in most cases, neither the slide nor barrel.
It is unclear where or when this pistol variation was assembled, other than from Europe in late WWII or early post-war. Some are documented as GI bringbacks. It is clear that a significant inventory of parts from all three manufactures were present at assembly, and much crude fitting and improvised parts substitution occurred.
It is theorized that these could have been assembled anywhere from late war expedient field armories, through labor camps, to post-war depots for GI souvenirs - and likely using armorer or factory second parts. They do have German firing proofs which suggest war time, but no final military acceptance stamps. To my knowledge, none have been found with import marks or Russian Capture evidence.
With no serial number references to create a database, it is difficult to even place a guess as to the total production numbers. But from the few occurrences of sightings in the wild, it is appropriate to deem them as scarce. They are desirable collector's items.
One part of the gun which is consistently distinctive will be the plum/copper colored frame, with the ac code located to the right of the Eagle/359 Walther factory stamp. Mine has the crudely constructed, fitted, and in-the-white hammer and take down lever. The front sight also looks like it was forced into place. It has no outward serial numbers. The previously numbered locking block from Walther is a very loose fit, and will drop out of the Mauser barrel frame as soon as the slide is removed. The recoil spring guides are built from grip screws.
It's a gorgeous pistol, and has no internal wear from firing. I just wish I could capture the rich color tones better with my photography. But there should be plenty of pics to enjoy.
As always, thanks for looking folks.
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![[grin]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/041.gif "Grin [grin]")
