The 38H was originally designed to compete with other pistols in the commercial market, but with the outbreak of the war, most of them were shipped to various German police agencies and military units. Some of these pistols were stamped by those agencies or units, and some were presented to Nazi officials with custom engraving, ivory grips, and gold inlay. The 38H was produced in three basic models, with different markings and features. The serial numbers of the 38H ranged from about 250000 to about 500000, with some gaps and overlaps.
First Model
The first model of the 38H was produced from 1938 to 1940, and had the full company name "JP Sauer und Sohn" on the left side of the slide. It also had the caliber marking "CAL 7.65" on the right side of the slide, and the serial number on the front of the frame, below the barrel. The first model had a high-polish blue finish, checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip. The first model also had a loaded chamber indicator on the back of the slide, which was later omitted on subsequent models. The serial numbers of the first model ranged from about 250000 to about 290000.
Second Model
The second model of the 38H was produced from 1940 to 1944, and had only the caliber marking "CAL 7.65" on the left side of the slide. It also had the serial number on the front of the frame, below the barrel, and on the right side of the slide, behind the ejection port. The second model had a duller blue finish, Bakelite grips, and no lanyard ring. The second model also had a cocking indicator on the back of the slide, which replaced the loaded chamber indicator of the first model. The serial numbers of the second model ranged from about 260000 to about 480000, with some gaps and overlaps.
Third Model
The third model of the 38H was produced from 1944 to 1945, and had no markings on the slide at all. It also had no safety or decocking lever on the left side of the frame, which were eliminated to simplify production. The third model had a rough blue or phosphate finish, Bakelite grips, and no lanyard ring. The third model also had a cocking indicator on the back of the slide, like the second model. The serial numbers of the third model ranged from about 450000 to about 500000.
Serial Number Variations
There are some variations in serial numbers among different models and batches of the 38H pistol. Some examples are:
Some early first models have an additional letter prefix before the serial number, such as A or B.
Some late first models have an additional letter suffix after the serial number, such as a or b.
Some second models have an eagle over N proof mark on the left side of the frame, above the trigger guard.
Some second models have an eagle over F acceptance mark on the right side of the frame, above the trigger guard.
Some second models have an eagle over WaA37 Waffenamt mark on both sides of the frame, above and below the trigger guard.
Some third models have mismatched serial numbers on different parts, such as slide, frame, barrel, or magazine.
Some third models have no serial number at all.
The JP Sauer & Sohn 38H was a well-made and reliable pistol that served the German forces and police during World War II. It was also a popular pistol among collectors and shooters after the war, due to its unique design and features. The serial numbers of the 38H can help identify the model, year, and origin of the pistol, as well as its rarity and value.
References:
[Sauer 38H - Wikipedia]
[WWII Pocket Pistols: J.P. Sauer & Sohn .38H - Guns and Ammo]
[MODEL 38 AND 38-H (H MODEL) VARIATIONS - Gun Values by Gun Digest]
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