This will change as well. RC P38s are selling for $600+. An all matching P38 in VG+ condition is worth at least as much as the RC and then a bit more.
The big influx of P1 pistols really stopped the escalation of prices on wartime P38s.
As far as the cost being held back by requirements for an RPAL, I don't think that's an issue.
Collectors are diminishing in numbers. The WWII pistols just don't hold the curiosity for many younger shooters. They just want to put lots of rounds down the range with decent pistols. WWII dated P38s don't really allow for that, unless you're willing to wear one out.
I don't blame them for this but it does have an effect on the prices of these old girls.
Right now, the pricing of 4 inch barreled P08s is rediculous, considering you need a 12-6 classification to acquire one. Many sellers are still considering the nostalgic appeal of them as a selling factor.
P38s on the other hand don't have the same appealing style as the P08s and are priced accordingly.
IMHO, WWII P38s are a sleeper investment. They will soon command some very decent prices.
Much of this hinges on the economy. Not much money for toys and the price of toys acts accordingly.
Just so you know, in 1972, I picked up 12 ea P38s, all matching in VG to Exc condition, complete with correct holsters and spare mags for $700. I bought all of them from Harkley and Haywood, in Vancouver. I was able to pick through a crate of over 100 rigs and take the pistols I wanted, as long as I paid them $700 per dozen. I didn't just take the best ones by condition. I picked them for the different markings and dates.
Within a few short years, many of those variations were no longer available for any price.
International Firearms out of Montreal, sold P38s right up to the day they closed their warehouse doors and were forced out of Canada.
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