Need Help Identifying & Valuing Handguns

**S_J** · 16-07-2019, 18:10

Hello everyone, if anyone can help me identify and/or value 2 handguns I will be extremely grateful.

According to my research they are:

1) An SAPS type Walther P38 9mm

2) An older model Browning .22 target pistol

I'll gladly send photos upon request.

Again, I will very much appreciate any information or advice given.

**Piet vWdVries** · 16-07-2019, 18:44

I remember we used to say, if you get issued a P38, if you loaded it and pulled the trigger, the HMK you left back in the safe will empty itself in sympathy, but that's about it. We considered it to be the safest service pistol in the history of the world. It was in many ways the Anti-Sig of it's time. Policemen were trained with and issued tonfas, mostly to protect their P-38 with. The nice thing about it is that when it was concealed in the holster, with only the grip sticking out, many people would think you had a real pistol. They were useful to issue to fresh members, as it was found that, after a fashion, those guys would start taking better care of their rifles. The best part of them was the lanyard loop. That way you could tie two together and then you'd have Nunchucks with which you could defend your Tonfa.

**matswane** · 17-07-2019, 11:20

Piet, you have a way with words!!

**tobie** · 17-07-2019, 11:34

Piet you are really harsh on the P38 ;)

In my opinion, R3k per piece, condition dependent. You can also cross reference with Classic Arms Auction prices, they do publish them.

Postwar P38's had two frame types, the later frame was somewhat reinforced and is the more desirable one.

**tobie** · 17-07-2019, 11:36

If it turns out to be a WW2 P38, then you have a whole different animal, may fetch much more...

**S_J** · 17-07-2019, 14:46

Thank you Piet for your colourful reminiscence, I especially enjoyed the 'lanyard loop to make nunchucks' quip.

Tobie, do you know how can I definitively identify the model?

I'm new to the forum, is there a way to send pictures?

**Cockroach** · 17-07-2019, 15:24

Originally Posted by tobie

If it turns out to be a WW2 P38, then you have a whole different animal, may fetch much more...

Especially with all matched numbers

**Cockroach** · 17-07-2019, 15:25

Originally Posted by S_J

Thank you Piet for your colourful reminiscence, I especially enjoyed the 'lanyard loop to make nunchucks' quip.

Tobie, do you know how can I definitively identify the model?

I'm new to the forum, is there a way to send pictures?

Host them in tinypics or imgur and use the generated links there in your post.