The Model 38H was developed by Sauer just before the outbreak of WWII; in 1938. The pistol was originally designed to compete in the semi-automatic pistol market against Mauser and Walther. However, with the outbreak of the war, most pistols went to various German police agencies. They were a favorite of the Gestapo and Luftwaffe were later adopted by the elite "FalLschirmjager" paratroopers.
The Sauer 38H was produced in three basic models. Generally, the slide of the first model says "JP Sauer und Sohn" on the left. The second version says only "CAL 7.65", and the third version omits the safety and the cocking/decocking lever. Towards the end of the war, weapons produced were simplified for quicker, cheaper production. For the 38H, this meant simpler markings, rough finish, and the elimination of features like the slide-mounted safety. Much more rarely, some late production examples retained the safety but omitted the cocking/decocking lever. So-called "late-war" models were still fully functional, though final examples produced until April 1945 when the factory was overrun by the Allies, feature mismatched serial numbers and poor fit and finish.
The concept of the Sauer 38H persists in the SIG Sauer P232 and its predecessor the P230, which also feature a fixed barrel, decocking lever, and similar internal design.
This particular model is a midwar "2nd Model" that features a rough finish and simple slide markings, but retains the cocking/decocking lever. It has a rather interesting history that was relayed to us from the son of a WWII veteran when he sold us the gun: it was originally captured in Eastern France by Roger W. Anderson, of the 101st Regiment, 26th Infantry Division in December, 1945. Anderson removed the pistol and holster from a captured German soldier and stashed the small gun in his overcoat so he could bring it home as a war trophy. The gun remained stored away among Anderson's other mementos from the war until his death in 2017. A few years later, the pistol was discovered by Anderson's son while clearing out his parent's estate. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Anderson's son had no interest in owning a WWII German pistol, so he took it to the local police department to be destroyed. Thankfully, the police recognized it's historical value and instead suggested the pistol be sold to Lodgewood. He took this advice and we were able to strike a deal for both the pistol and holster late last year.
Anderson's son also mentioned that his Father never shot the gun during the entire time he owned it, as he was never able to find any 7.65 ammunition for it. He was evidentially unaware that this allusive 7.65mm ammunition is simply the metric name for .32 ACP - a common and readily available ammunition in the U.S. This confusion ultimately ended up being beneficial, as a lack of ammunition meant that this pistol stayed tucked away in storage for nearly 80 years. As such it is in phenomenal condition.
The original "brushed" bluing is near perfect, with only some minor surface rust in the slide serrations from storage. The original black plastic grips, which were notoriously fragile and are often found chipped or cracked; are both intact and in perfect condition. Original German inspection marks (EAGLE/N) can be found on the slide and frame; along with the caliber marking and serial numbers. There are no import marks anywhere; which helps verify this gun's history as a "bring back".
Mechanically, the gun is excellent. The fit between the slide and frame are excellent with no wobble or play. The action works perfectly on both single and double action, and the decocker is intact and functional as well. We have test fired this gun and are happy to report that it functions flawlessly! We fired three full magazines of .32 acp through this gun without a single malfunction (see photos). If you're looking for a collectible pistol that you can also take to the range - this gun is for you!
The bore is excellent with beautifully crisp rifling and no rust or pitting.
This pistol also includes an original WWII German holster which fits the pistol perfectly. The top flap of the holster has an ancient piece of cloth tap stuck to it. The tape is extremely faded, but a portion of the word "Anderson" can be seen written on it. The holsters has a compartment for a spare magazine, but it is empty.
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to a Federal Firearms License holder, or Curio & Relic License holder, for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
