German Walther P88 Compact 4” 9mm Semi Auto Pistol & Box, MFD 1992

SOLD FOR: $1,043.00

LSB#: WY241029NT009

Make: Walther

Model: P88 Compact

Serial Number: 100805

Year of Manufacture: 1992 (KC date code.)

Caliber: 9mm

Action Type:  Semi-Automatic, Hammer Fired, single action pistol fed by detachable magazines.

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked, “INTERARMS ALEXANDRIA/VA MADE IN GERMANY”, the left side is marked, “100805 P88 COMPACT” with the Walther banner. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The barrel is marked with a Walther banner and, “9mmX19 / 100805”. There are various small German proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a square blade machined into the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the slide. The sights originally had white dots, but the paint has since either faded or been covered in grime.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece checkered plastic panels. There are scratches, nicks, and general wear marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grip panels are in Good to Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued, Anodized Aluminum

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light fouling throughout. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition:  This gun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, wear to the leading edges, and light wear to the barrel hood. There is wear to the frame from the trigger bar. The markings are clear, the screw heads are sharp and the pins are clean. Overall this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.  We have not fired this pistol.  As with all used firearms, a cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance needs.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  Original cardboard box.

Our Assessment: The Walther P88 Compact is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol that reflects German engineering at its finest. Introduced in the late 1980s as a more compact variant of the original Walther P88, this pistol was designed for personal defense and concealed carry, blending precision, reliability, and modern features in a manageable package. The P88 Compact features a 4-inch barrel, which strikes a balance between accuracy and portability. Its steel slide and aluminum alloy frame contribute to a lightweight yet durable construction, making it easy to carry while retaining the robustness expected from Walther firearms. The pistol’s design prioritizes ergonomic handling, with a grip that accommodates a variety of hand sizes and a well-placed thumb safety and slide release for intuitive operation. Though the P88 Compact was eventually overshadowed by more modern designs like the Walther P99 and PPQ, it remains a highly regarded pistol among collectors and enthusiasts. Its precision machining, reliable performance, and role in Walther’s lineage of innovative firearms contribute to its enduring appeal.

Today, the Walther P88 Compact is valued for its engineering excellence and historical significance, representing a transitional period in handgun design when manufacturers were striving to balance tradition with emerging demands for modern concealed carry firearms. -R.E

German Walther P88 Compact 4” 9mm Semi Auto Pistol & Box, MFD 1992
German Walther P88 Compact 4” 9mm Semi Auto Pistol & Box, MFD 1992