Custom Engraved W. German Walther PP .380 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1972
SOLD FOR: $3,476
LSB#: 240203KA029
Make: Walther
Model: PP
Serial Number: 45096A
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm kurz)
Action Type: Single/Double Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Barrel Length: 3 3/4?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot, integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with a vertical white aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. Each panel has an inlaid miniature Florida police badge, the left has a gold banner marked “R. J. SZYMANSKI” above the badge and “DETECTIVE” below. The right panel has a gold banner marked “FT. LAUDERDALE” above the badge, “206” immediately below and “56-76” near the bottom. The right panel has a small loss at the top-front. Each has some finish loss on the rear edges. The grips otherwise show minor wear with generally well defined checkering, though the finish is quite thick. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as customized.
Also included is a pair of Eagle sanbar stag panels. The stag panels have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stag panels are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is some minor handling wear in the grip areas. The backstrap has a spot where it appears minor oxidation was scrubbed out. The action shows very minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine-plus condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine and the additional grips described above.
Our Assessment: This is a West German manufactured Walther PP chambered for .380 ACP (9mm kurz). Walther’s PP series has had an interesting and circuitous production history, being made in Germany, France, America, and back to Germany. This pistol is a 1972 vintage that has been custom engraved with gold trip. It appears to have been customized for a Fort Lauderdale Police Detective who served from 1956-1976, and has an RJS monogram in gold on the backstrap among the engraving. The pistol is quite beautiful with quality engraving that cleverly incorporates the original factory markings, though if there was originally an import marking it has been removed. If you don’t like the decorated grips, a nice set of stag grips is also included. This Walther PP is equally suited to display as it is to carry. Please see our photos and good luck!
