Make: Walther
Model: PP
Serial Number: 387213p
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)
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 serrations to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic with Walther banner logos at their tops. The grips have some scattered light nicks and scuffs. There are a few cracks around the edges including a long vertical crack at the front of the right panel. The checkering is generally well defined. The panels show slight warping, common for this period of production. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The slide is non-matching, but was on the frame when captured (see Box, Paperwork, Accessories and Our Assessment).
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a through cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a custom presentation case housing the pistol, one 7-round magazine and an AG USFET Form No. 33 Certificate. The certificate is made out to a John H. Chadwell for "One Pistol Serial No. (387213 or 385399) Type- Semi-Automatic (Cal. 7.65) Name: Walther". Also included is a notarized letter from John Chadwell's nephew stating that the pistol was brought back by his uncle. After Chadwell's passing, it stayed in his nephew's possession until sale in December, 2015 to the consignor.
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 in 1945, close to when the Zella-Mehlis factory was overrun by the American Army. Its lack of waffenamts, the Walther slide legend, rough finish, and mixed serial markings are common to this late production.
According to the included documents, the pistol was brought back by a John H. Chadwell after being taken from a German officer. Of particular interest to the collector is that the mis-matched slide and frame serial numbers are both listed on the bring-back paperwork, indicating that they were in fact mated together when captured. This is a fascinating piece of WWII history that has very interesting provenance included. It will make a wonderful addition to any collection and will display well in the included case. Please see our photos and good luck!
