Walther PPK 7.65mm 3 1/4″ DA SA Semi Auto Pistol 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB260710SF004
Make: Carl Walther Waffenfabrik
Model: PPK
Serial Number: 373897K
Year of Manufacture: 1942 / C&R. Published Walther serial-number data places K-suffix PPK pistols from approximately 3585xxK through 3907xxK in 1942 production.
Caliber: 7.65mm Browning, also known as .32 ACP
Action Type: Double Action and Single Action, Blowback-Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by a Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is faintly marked with the Walther banner and the two-line Walther factory, patent, caliber, and model legend. The right side of the slide and the right side of the frame are marked “373897K”. Faint German proof marks are present throughout the pistol. The grip panels feature molded “WALTHER” banners.
Barrel Length: 3 1/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low-profile blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a fixed notch at the rear of the slide. The top of the slide has a longitudinal anti-glare rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips is a one piece brown molded plastic panels with molded Walther banners and checkered gripping surfaces. The left grip panel is chipped at the upper rear and has a crack along the rear edge. There is also a crack extending from the grip screw. The grips show scratches, scuffs, age-related discoloration, and handling wear. The molded checkering remains generally well defined with scattered peak wear. Overall, the grips rate in about Fair condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round detachable .32 ACP magazine. The magazine shows operational wear, scratches, finish thinning, and scattered oxidation. Overall, the magazine rates in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued steel with a red-painted safety indicator.
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate to heavy handling and operational wear. There is extensive thinning and finish loss on the slide and frame, with areas of gray and brown patina, scattered scratches, scuffs, oxidation, and light surface corrosion. The muzzle, slide flats, high edges, trigger guard, and exposed frame surfaces show the most substantial finish loss. The slide legend is faint and partially obscured by finish wear but remains identifiable. The serial-number markings remain clear. The screw heads show light tooling with serviceable slots. The pins are lightly marred. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action and single-action trigger mechanisms function, and the safety operates properly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 7-round magazine. No box or paperwork.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1931 as the compact counterpart to the Walther PP, the PPK became one of the most influential European defensive pistols of the 20th century. Its double-action trigger, fixed-barrel blowback system, exposed hammer, slide-mounted safety and decocker, and compact dimensions made it suitable for discreet police, government, military, and commercial carry. The 7.65mm Browning chambering was particularly common among German-produced examples.
Serial number 373897K falls within the documented 1942 K-suffix production range, placing this pistol squarely within Walther’s wartime manufacture at Zella-Mehlis. This example exhibits substantial honest carry and service wear, with extensive finish loss and damaged original-style grips, but it remains in its proper wartime configuration and retains matching serial numbers on the frame and slide. Its excellent bore, functional action, wartime manufacture, and unmistakable period character should appeal to collectors of Walther pistols and German Second World War arms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.