P.38 from the sea.

[Damien Horn]

Hi,
In an earlier topic I mentioned the fact that literally 1000's of German sidearms were gathered up and taken by barge to then be taken out to see and dumped in the deep water off the Channel Islands. As the weeks went by and the job became boring the crews of the barges got bored and dumped the gear on board as soon as they were a few miles from the Islands and not where they were supposed to. Consequently over the years local fishing boats who are out dredging for scallops have come across various bits and pieces. In the main all that comes up are the remains of holsters, grips from the likes of Lugers, P.38 and Radom's as well as the bakelite off MP.40's ad the occasional K.98 stock which are usually well eaten. The holster that come up are generally split open so the pistols are missing but those that normally have made it to the surface have come out of the holster and turned to a smelly mush. I was given the example in the photographs attached and resisted the temptation to open up the holster and see the inside more than can be seen already. It is holding together pretty well concidering it has been under the sea for the last 65 years. Incidentally some of the holsters I have still the eagle and swastika on the reverse with maker and date stamps.... something I really did not expect. I love mint examples of all German firearms but there is something about such a relic type piece that is also of interest.... strange.

[Bil]

Nice! You go away for a while,and when you come back,everyone wants to go to the Channel islands! Do you work for the tourist board?? Thanks for the great pics ---bil

[Damien Horn]

Hi Bil,
Tourism is on the decline here on the Island, but if a bunch of you guys want to make the trip then I am sure we can put together a fascinating trip for you all. There are German bunkers and tunnels all over the Island which I am sure you'd love to visit. The Island is only 9 miles by 5 but it is well worth a visit if the second world war is of interest to you especially from the German perspective being the only British territory Occupied by the German armed forces during ww.2.
Let me know when you coming over and I will get a few things sorted.
D.

[www.Prussia.us]

Great Post

But I am appalled to see such pieces of History destroyed


Maybe Century Arms Intl. will get on that and start importing them

[Der Alder]

What does it cost for a fishing charter there? That P38 doesn't look much worse than an RC from SOG that I seen

[42rocker]

I think that it's IM that has the you restore pieces for sale... Right..

Sounds like an interesting tour does it include the chance to see those 34's and 42's on tripods with optics that you posted before????

Later 42rocker

[Matt]

that p38 is really cool, tells a story. can you preserve it like that? i wish i had the cash to got to europe and see the islands and all the bunkers that are still there and restored. there are some great photos on the museum websites for the islands. -matt