9/23/20 - This is a Mauser P.38 issued to the Nazi military in 1944. It has a Mauser "byf 44" factory code and the proper "Eagle 135" Nazi military acceptance proofs. We studied this gun for a while and still only able to theorize on it's originality. At first, we concluded all original and correct except for a casting "flaw" on the left side of slide (up by the top). Casting flaws are found pretty regularly on late 44 and 45 dated guns. The springs and locking block are all in the original "white" metal, so the gun does not appear to be dipped, and there are no import marks. However, the color of the finish looks worn in some places and then very dark blue or even black in other places. The bore is very strong. So our educated conclusion is that this is a Russian "dipped" gun. Issued, but barely used which has been cleaned up (done by removing most of the "dip") and then the red F repainted. Again, there are no import marks, no Russian X on the gun and the spring and the locking block are bare metal. Overall, a very nice, and shootable example of the BYF 44 P38, that has had some restoration work done to it. Priced accordingly Either way, the finish is very nice. It has retained about 96% of its bluing. Most of the finish loss is thinning on the front strap. Some thinning on the left side of the slide. The bore is excellent - shiny with strong rifling with just minor freckling in some areas. Excellent, original grips. Comes with one period-correct magazine.
