Walther Model PP RJ 7.65 .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol & Holster 1940s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,090.55
LSB#: LSB260618MR067
Make: Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis, Thuringia, Germany.
Model: PP
Serial Number: 183414P
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1940s / C&R
Caliber: .32 ACP / 7.65
Action Type: Double-Action/Single-Action, Hammer-Fired, Blowback-Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur) / Walther’s Patent Cal. 7,65 m/m”, “Mod. PP”, and the Walther banner logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The front strap is marked “R.J.” (Reichsjustiz / Reich Justice). There are Eagle N commercial proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 3.9”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch sight, dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a two-piece checkered black plastic grip set with smooth borders. There is light handling wear. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is thinning on the front/back strap and slide. There are a few faint nicks throughout the frame and slide. The screw head is lightly tooled with a serviceable slot. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a crisp and clean break in single action, but a rather heavy pull in double action. We did not fire this handgun, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with 1x 8rd magazine, in Excellent condition and a leather holster in Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Walther PP was introduced in 1929 and became one of the most influential compact service-pistol designs of the 20th century, combining a fixed-barrel blowback action with a double-action/single-action trigger and slide-mounted safety/decocking system. Of particular collector interest on this example is the “R.J.” property marking on the frontstrap, identifying the pistol with the Reichsjustizministerium, or Reich Ministry of Justice. R.J.-marked PPs were issued for use within the German justice system, including by court guards and personnel involved in prisoner security, and represent a considerably scarcer government-property variation than standard commercial PPs. Serial number 183414P is consistent with wartime Walther production at Zella-Mehlis.
This pistol retains approximately 80% of its original blue finish with scratches, thinning on the slide, frontstrap, and backstrap, scattered light nicks, and normal handling and storage wear. The checkered black plastic grip panels remain in Very Good condition with light scratches and compression marks but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no visible erosion, and some fouling in the grooves, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, with a crisp single-action trigger pull and a notably heavier double-action pull, though we did not fire this pistol. One 8-round magazine and a leather holster are included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P