1943 Mauser P.38 byf 43 9mm Pistol
This authentic World War II-era Mauser P.38 was manufactured at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf, Germany, during 1943. The slide is marked “byf 43”, identifying Mauser as the manufacturer and 1943 as the production year.
Chambered in 9mm Luger, this example bears the serial number 371d and displays matching numbered components marked 371. It also carries the appropriate Eagle/WaA135 German military acceptance markings associated with Mauser P.38 production.
The pistol is rated at approximately 90% overall condition and represents a desirable example of one of the most historically significant military sidearms of the Second World War.
Historical Significance
The P.38 was developed by Walther as Germany’s replacement for the more complicated and costly Luger P08. It became one of the first widely issued locked-breech military pistols to combine a double-action/single-action trigger system with a safety and decocking lever.
As wartime demand increased, P.38 production expanded beyond Walther to include Mauser and Spreewerk. Wartime manufacturers were identified by concealed factory codes. Walther used “ac”, Mauser used “byf”, and Spreewerk used “cyq.”
Mauser-produced P.38 pistols are highly recognizable to collectors through their byf manufacturer code, year marking and Eagle/WaA135 military acceptance stamps. This pistol’s byf 43 marking identifies it as a Mauser-manufactured 1943 example.
Markings and Identification
- Manufacturer Code: byf
- Manufacturer: Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf
- Production Year: 1943
- Estimated Production Period: Approximately April 1943
- Serial Number: 371d
- Matching Component Number: 371
- Military Acceptance Mark: Eagle/WaA135
- Model Marking: P.38
The April 1943 date is an estimate based on the pistol’s serial-number block and known Mauser production sequence. The byf 43 markings establish Mauser manufacture during 1943, but they do not independently identify an exact month or day.
Condition Report
This Mauser P.38 is rated at approximately 90% overall condition. The pistol retains a strong overall appearance with finish wear consistent with age, handling and military service.
- Overall Condition: Approximately 90%
- Finish: Strong overall with expected handling and edge wear
- Serial Numbers: Matching visible numbered components marked 371
- Markings: Clear byf 43 and German military acceptance markings
- Grips: Period-style ribbed grips
- Mechanical Condition: Appears mechanically sound based on available inspection
- Bore: Confirm from physical inspection before publishing
- Magazine: Confirm markings and whether matching before publishing
Please review all photographs carefully. The photographs show the actual firearm being offered and form an important part of the complete condition description.
Key Features
- Authentic WWII Production: Manufactured by Mauser during 1943
- byf 43 Marking: Correct wartime Mauser manufacturer and year code
- Matching Numbers: Visible serialized components marked 371
- Military Acceptance Marks: Eagle/WaA135 inspection markings
- 9mm Luger Chambering: Standard German military service caliber
- DA/SA Action: Double-action first shot with single-action follow-up shots
- Safety/Decocker: Slide-mounted military safety and decocking system
- Steel Frame: Original wartime P.38 steel-frame construction
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Mauser-Werke |
|---|---|
| Factory | Oberndorf, Germany |
| Model | P.38 |
| Manufacturer Code | byf |
| Year Code | 43 |
| Manufacture Year | 1943 |
| Estimated Production Month | Approximately April 1943 |
| Serial Number | 371d |
| Matching Number | 371 |
| Acceptance Mark | Eagle/WaA135 |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger / 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Double Action / Single Action |
| Operating System | Short Recoil, Hinged Locking Block |
| Barrel Length | Approximately 4.9 Inches |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
| Sights | Fixed Front Blade and Rear Notch |
| Safety | Slide-Mounted Safety / Decocker |
| Condition | Used – Very Good, Approximately 90% |
| Collector Classification | World War II German Military / Curio & Relic |
Important Collector Firearm Information
This is a historical, previously owned military firearm. Finish wear, handling marks and other age-related characteristics may be present. Any representation regarding matching numbers applies only to the components specifically inspected and photographed.
The buyer should review all photographs, markings and serialized components before purchasing. The firearm pictured is the actual firearm being offered for sale.
FFL Shipping and Transfer
This firearm must be shipped to an eligible Federal Firearms Licensee unless lawfully transferred in person through Tar River Arms in Raleigh, North Carolina. A qualifying Curio and Relic license may be accepted when permitted by applicable law and Tar River Arms policy.
The buyer and receiving dealer are responsible for confirming all federal, state and local requirements before shipment or transfer.
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