Engraved Walther PPK/S 380 Cesare Giovanelli Gold Presentation Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3,025
LSB#: 240127GS001
Make: Walther, Imported by Interarms
Model: PPK/S Gold Engraved Presentation Pistol
Serial Number: 238841S
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (“IA” Date Code)
Caliber: .380 A.C.P. (9mm Kurz)
Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto with two 7-Round Removable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther “Banner” logo and “Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do. / Modell PPK/S Cal. 9mm kurz”. The right side of the slide is marked “238841” and “INTERARMS / ALEXANDRIA/VIRGINIA”. The right side of the frame behind the trigger is marked “238841 S / MADE IN GERMANY”. The right side of the barrel at the port is marked with two German proof marks and “IA” date code. The gun is elaborately engraved with a floral motif: please see our pictures!
Barrel Length: 3.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low-profile blade with a white dot in its rear face that is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with a square below the notch, and is dovetailed into the slide. The top of the slide is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are white smooth horn panels. There are some faint scratches on each panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Gold Plated Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. Only light handling marks are present. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is a little stiff and the single-action pull has a small amount of creep. This pistol has a de-cocker. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two 7-round gold-plated magazines, wooden presentation case with a horn plaque marked “Cesare Giovanelli”, a drawing by Giovanelli, and an excerpt from “Resto del Carino”.
Our Assessment: Because of the Gun Control Act of 1968, the importation of the Walther PPK was disallowed, and Walther enlarged the pistol to the PPK/S model to get around the restrictions. The PPK/S was made by Walter in the ’70s and then by license to Walter by Interarms in the 1980s and 90s, and later by Smith & Wesson. This is a beautiful hand-engraved and gold-plated PPK/S presented to Cesare Giovanelli, the founder of the world renowned Bottega Incision engraving company. The company was founded in 1955 by a very young Cesare Giovanelli whose dream was to perpetuate the craft of metal engraving. Cesare started engraving in his own home kitchen. This pistol comes with a wooden presentation case and two gold-plated magazines. This is a beautiful pistol that anyone with an appreciation for fine weapons will want to add to their collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
