A long-time friend from church asked me to identify his "old pistol" that he had inherited from a family member recently. When he said "Sauer", I knew who (and where) to turn to. Gool 'ol Sig Forum.
I gave him the general info about the 38H that I have photographed, below. It came with a nice old holster, two magazines (one of which has some old .32 Auto rounds in it).
Is there any more specific information our brain trust here on the forum can offer up about this specific pistol based on serial number, etc.?
Take a look. (Click on thumbnail for larger photos.)

That's a mid-war pistol issued to the army. Looks correct, even the grips (most break). The holster may have been for an Italian M1935 but without seeing the back, I can't tell. But, it looks like the pistol came home in that holster so it's perfectly alright! Tell your buddy to please use caution with the grip panels. Over-tightening the screws will do them in. They make replacements and I suggest you use those if the gun is fired. Nice WWII gun!!!!

That's a "Variation 3" Sauer 38H, one of the Germany military contract as evidenced by the Waffenamt acceptance mark on the left side ahead of the triggerguard, with a serial that puts it at early 1943 production.

Great info, guys.

As Dave pointed out, it was issued to the army. The "Eagle over 37" on the left side on the front of the trigger guard indicates that in case you're curious.

Is it possible to date the ammo? Would genuine WW2 ammo have collector value?

Yes it is dated on the headstamp and yes it is very collectible!

quote:

Originally posted by mr kablammo:
Is it possible to date the ammo? Would genuine WW2 ammo have collector value?

I stripped all the rounds from the magazine. Unfortunately, it is Remington-Peters headstamp.
R*P 32 Auto.
No date code.