Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl, Germany

Model: 38H, 4th Variation

Serial Number: 499220

Year of Manufacture: 1944 - 1945

Caliber: 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP)

Action Type: Double Action, Semi-automatic with Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 3/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the slide rib. The rear sight is a “U”-notched leaf dovetailed into the slide. The rib is serrated for reduced glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Franzite two piece checkered black synthetic with an "SuS" monogram logo on the left panel. The grips show light scratches from handling and storage. The panels have slight warping. There are no cracks or chips. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered small scratches and light nicks, most in the frontstrap. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation and some minor finish wear. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some inspection marks are poorly struck (common for this period). Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however the decocker/cocking lever has some friction against the grip panel. Its return spring is only powerful enough to return the lever when decocking. After cocking, the lever must be pressed up manually. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 38 (for 1938) is a semi-automatic pistol that was developed by the German company in 1938. It was designed to be a compact and reliable handgun for military and police use, as well as for civilian self-defense. The 38H is a blowback-operated pistol chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning), with an 8-round detachable box magazine. Series production did not commence until the end of 1939. Almost 295,000 were produced for the military, police and German party officals prior to April 1945, when the U.S. Army occupied the plant.

This 38H pistol is a nice example of a late war pistol, made just before the cocking/decocker lever would be omitted. The grips have been replaced with post-war Franzite panels, but the numbered metal parts are matching, the bore is in good shape, and the mechanics are strong. This is a great collectible for someone who is interested in World War 2, German militaria or as a nice pocket pistol with a possible service history from WWII.