WWII Bringback German Walther PP Model .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,367.00
LSB#: WY250331CF011
Make: Walther
Model: PP
Serial Number: 385176P
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 32 A.C.P. (7.65mm Browning)
Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto with 7-Round Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 7/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide. The top of the slide has a thin rib that has fine wavy serrations to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic with Walther banner logos at their tops. The grips have some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The left grip panel has some more notable wear below the Walther banner. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The panels show slight warping at the top-rear, common for this period of production. Overall, the grips are in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the slide is non-matching (see Our Assessment).
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent faint erosion and some discoloration in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the magazine is particularly difficult to remove. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a leather shoulder holster, a single 7-round Walther magazine and a magazine that appears to be for a Sauer 38H (this magazine has a significant dent in the body which prevents the follower from being pushed all the way down). The back of the holster has hand-carved notes related to the movement and battles of a Cpl. Bernard J. Picinisco as well as a German name. An AG USFET Form No. 33 Certificate is included made out for a Cpl. Picinisco listing a German accordion, German P.32 pistol, German Blank pistol, German boot knife and a German coat as war souvenirs. Also included is a newspaper clipping with an article about Cpl. Picinisco in which he is interviewed about his experience on D-Day.
Our Assessment: The Walther PP, or Polizeipistole, was introduced in 1929 and found great success both commercially and with law enforcement agencies. With the outbreak of WWII, the German military found that its huge demand for sidearms could not be filled only with P38 and Luger pistols, orders for a variety of other models would be placed and the Walther PP was among them. This example is a particularly late wartime example, made in 1945. Its lack of waffenamts and mixed serial markings indicate it is likely a “Factory Capture” gun, taken by a GI from the Walther factory after it was liberated by US forces.
According to the included documents as well as carving on the holster, the pistol was brought back by Cpl. Bernard Picinisco of the 198th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapons Battalion. This is a fascinating piece of WWII history that has very interesting provenance included. It will make a wonderful addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
