Make: Walther (ac Code)

Model: PP (Polizeipistole)

Serial#: 394667p

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1945

Caliber: 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP)

Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto Fed By Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 7/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide. The top of the slide has a thin rib that has fine wavy serrations to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered white plastic with Walther banner logos at their tops. There is a tiny crack at the top edge of the left panel. Otherwise, there is only minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The most notable finish wear is on the top-right of the slide behind the ejection port. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a spot of deep polishing under the finish behind the left slide serrations. There are some inclusions under the finish, most notable along the top-right of the slide. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings have soft edges, but are legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A single 8-round modern commercial magazine is included.

Our Assessment: The Walther PP, or Polizeipistole, was introduced in 1929 and found great success both commercially and with law enforcement agencies. With the outbreak of WWII, the German military found that its huge demand for sidearms could not be filled only with P38 and Luger pistols, orders for a variety of other models would be placed and the Walther PP was among them.

This example is a particularly late "wartime" example, made ca. 1945. It is possible, even likely, that this pistol was assembled during the war, but after it was over for Zella-Mehlis. On April 4, 1945, the town was surrendered (ironically by the Mayor, Franz Walther) to US forces, a month before victory would be declared in Europe. Souvenir weapons were highly prized and there were certainly many complete pistols brought home after the war. There were also documented cases of some soldiers assembling guns from parts in the captured factories, displaying various qualities of finish and most missing proofs or military inspection marks. Some parts were unfinished, some unnumbered, and some were mismatched when they were assembled by the soldiers in Zella-Mehlis.

This pistol lacks any proof or inspection marks, has a serial number just past the accepted 1945 production range, and no serial marking on the frame. The post-war grips and magazine may simply be parts that a GI didn't get the chance to assemble on their souvenir and were replaced after the pistol made it back to the United States. It is even possible that the parts had not yet been finished, and the current blued finish was also applied after its owner made it back home. In any case, it is a fascinating example of the Walther PP that will make a neat addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!