Walther Model PPK Thuringia Pre War .22LR Semi Auto Pistol MFD 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: WY240925JT038
Make: Walther
Model: PPK
Serial Number: 868238
Year of Manufacture: 1935 C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single / Double Action Semi-Auto with manual safety / decocker fed by 8 Round Removable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the Walther “Banner” logo, “Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur) / Walther’s Patent Cal. 22” and “Mod. PPK”. The right side of the frame behind the trigger is marked “868238”. The right side of the barrel at the port with a “crown/N” proof. The right side of the slide is marked with a “crown / N” proof.
Barrel Length: 3 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low profile blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a “U” notch integral to the slide. The top of the slide has wavy serrations to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece grip is checkered German Bakelite that encloses the backstrap screw set to the frame. The grip shows light handling wear with no visible chips or cracks. Overall the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny with very minimal carbon. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains 98% of its metal finish. The left side of the slide and the leading edge of the slide show some minor finish loss. The frame has begun to turn plum with some minor discoloration to the trigger guard. The rear of the slide around the hammer recess has some minor surface rust freckling. The markings are very clean and the screw head is sharp. Overall this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a decocker / manual safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one Walther PPK magazine with the bakelite floor plate.
Our Assessment: This Walther PPK manufactured in 1935 at the Thuringia plant and chambered in .22 LR is an early-production example of one of the most famous compact pistols in history. The PPK (Polizeipistole Kriminalmodell) was introduced in 1931 as a refinement of the Walther PP, featuring a shorter grip and barrel for improved concealability. By 1935, the Walther factory in Zella-Mehlis, Thuringia, was still producing civilian, police, and government-issued firearms, though Germany was beginning to ramp up its military expansion. .22 LR variants of the PPK were produced in relatively small numbers compared to the more common 7.65mm (.32 ACP) and 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP) models, making them particularly desirable to collectors today.
The PPK in .22 LR was primarily marketed for training, target shooting, and private self-defense. The low recoil and inexpensive ammunition made it an excellent choice for practicing with the PPK platform without the cost or recoil of larger calibers. Despite its small size, the PPK retained all the features of its larger-caliber counterparts, including a double-action/single-action trigger, a manual safety with a decocker, and a fixed barrel that doubled as a recoil spring guide. Many early PPKs, especially those in .22 LR, were purchased by private citizens, political and military officials, and law enforcement. This example retains its original high-polish blued finish, matching serial numbers, and period-correct Walther banner grips making it a highly collectible piece of pre-war German firearms history. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
