I note a few misconceptions above. Walther began postwar manufacture of the alloy frame P38 in 1957 for commerical sales. The military also purchase these same pistol, but they will also have military Buro (acceptance) markings. Around 1963 the guns contracted for the the military were marked "P1" to distinguish them from the continuing P38 marked commerical production show above. Over time, there were some changes to the slide logo and serial number locations, leading to many variations for collectors, but these were basicly the same pistols. I'd recommend Dieter Marschall's "Walther Pistols" book for further details and perhaps he will chime in with some more definative info. TH
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