Walther Model PP, RARE SA der NSDAP Gruppe Franken Brownshirts Marked, Blue 3.75” WWII Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1938-1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,260
LSB#: 160132WM57
Make: Walther
Model: PP
Serial Number: 132289P
Year of Manufacture: 1938-1939 (German Pistols and Holsters 1934 / 1945 Military – Police – NSDAP by Lt. Col. Robert D. Whittington III, Page 169)
Caliber: 7.65mm Browning / .32 ACP
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “WALTHER” in banner and “Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella Mehlis (Thur) / Walther’s Patent Cal 7,65m/m / Mod PP”, the right side is marked with crown over “N”, as is the right side of the barrel (which has another crown over “P” on the right front side), visible through the ejection port. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The front strap of the grip frame is marked “SA der NSDAP / Gruppe Franken”. The grip panels have Walther’s banner logo at the top, the magazine is marked with this logo as well.
Barrel Length: 3 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low profile blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a flat topped “U” notch that is dovetailed into the slide. The top of the slide has a full length rib which is serrated with a wave-like pattern to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black plastic panels with Walther’s banner logo. The panels show scattered handling marks to include areas of compressed checkers. There are no visible cracks or losses. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: High Polished Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is highly defined. There is light pin prick erosion and shallow patches of frosting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 73 of its metal finish. The slide has heavier wear at the leading edges and on the flanks, consistent with holster use. There is pin prick erosion, light pitting and patina in example, throughout the surfaces. The trigger, barrel and frame show operational wear from normal use. The surfaces also exhibit handling marks and some bruises. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double and single action trigger pulls are smooth. There is moderate play in the slide to frame fit, the decocker functions correctly and the pistol can be field stripped in seconds with its hinged trigger guard. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 8-round blued magazine with a plastic base extension is provided; the item appears to be of modern production and does not bare any marks besides Walther’s banner logo; the magazine has light wear and rates in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is an SA (Brownshirts) NSDAP Gruppe Franken marked Walther PP that falls in the serial number range for pre-war production (1938-1939 according to German Pistols and Holsters 1934 / 1945 Military – Police – NSDAP by Lt. Col. Robert D. Whittington III, Page 169). The metal surfaces have pin prick and pit erosion, with heavy wear consistent with holster and rough use. The bore is bright with highly defined rifling but has examples of pin prick erosion and shallow frosting. The action is smooth and the slide only has minor play to the frame. This would be an excellent addition to any WWII firearms collection that most certainly has an interesting history; from Wikipedia: “The SA have been known in contemporary times as “Brownshirts” from the color of their uniform shirts, similar to Benito Mussolini’s blackshirts. The SA developed pseudo-military titles for its members. The SA ranks were adopted by several other Nazi Party groups, chief amongst them the Schutzstaffel (SS), which originated as a branch of the SA before being separated. Brown-coloured shirts were chosen as the SA uniform because a large batch of them were cheaply available after World War I, having originally been ordered during the war for colonial troops posted to Germany’s former African colonies.[1] The SA became disempowered after Adolf Hitler ordered the “blood purge” of 1934. This event became known as the Night of the Long Knives. The SA was effectively superseded by the SS, although it was not formally dissolved and banned until after the Third Reich’s final capitulation to the Allied powers in 1945.”. Please see our pictures and good luck!
