Rudy Marek Engraved Walther PPK 7.65mm SA/DA Semi-Automatic Pistol 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,050
LSB #: 240120DS017
Make: Walther
Model: PPK
Serial Number: 850991
Year of Manufacture: 1935
Caliber: 7.65mm Browning (.32 Automatic Colt Pistol)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “WALTHER” on a banner, “Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur) / Walther’s Patent Cal 7,65m/m”, and “Mod PPK” and “R” in gold at the rear. The right side of the slide is marked with a gold horse bust at the rear, “NIL TEMERE”, and “EMGR. BY R. MAREK”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number. There is elaborate engraving throughout the pistol.
Barrel Length: 3 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed at the front of the slide. The rear sight is a raised U-groove at the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The Sile grips are two-piece checkered wood panels that envelop the back strap and have eagle medallions in the center. There are some scattered compressions and a minor scuff on the right rear border. There are no chips or cracks present. The grips fit the frame tightly with no play. The grips rate in about Fine-Plus condition as not original.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to Customization
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered freckled erosion and some light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The balance of finish shows some sparsely scattered freckled oxidation throughout the slide and thinned finish on the front strap and leading edges. The hammer has taken a plum hue. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as custom engraved.
Mechanics: The action does function correctly. This firearm has not been test fired, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black Walther hard case with two magazines and informational paperwork about Rudy Marek.
Our Assessment: Walther’s original factory was located in a-Mehlis in the “Land” (state) of Thuringia. As that part of Germany was occupied by the Soviet Union following World War II, Walther fled to West Germany, where they established a new factory in Ulm. This is a .32 caliber Walther Model PPK made in 1935. This is a particular special example that has been custom engraved and signed by Rudy Marek, an American master engraver who began engraving in the 1940’s. He would go on to become a master of his craft and Colt Firearms hired him to engrave their firearms. He was even featured on an episode of FOX Business Network series “Strange Inheritance” with Jamie Colby. Rudy passed away in the late 1990’s but his reputation as an engraver lives on!
This pistol is in Fine condition as custom engraved with roughly 94% of its finish remaining. The bore is nice. Walther’s are known for their reliability. This one would make a terrific collection piece from one of America’s finest engravers. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
