This is an example of an extremely rare Gustloff-Werke experimental, semi-automatic pocket pistol as developed in 1939. Development of the pistol was promoted by Fritz Sauckel, Gauleiter of Thuringia and founder of Gustloff-Werke. The pistol functions as a blow-back operated pistol with a steel slide similar in shape to the Walther PP models albeit with a completely internal hammer design (enclosed rear end of the slide) combined with a duraluminum frame similar to the Sauer Mod. 38 pistol. The pistol has sliding safety on the left side of the frame and frame-mounted magazine release. It is reported that in January 1940 a prototype was submitted to Adolf Hitler with the suggestion that it be adopted for use by the various police agencies, and that production could be accomplished at the old Weimar factory using slave labor from the nearby Buchenwald concentration camp. However, due to the outbreak of WWII and large numbers of both Walther PP and PPKs pistol already in use throughout the German military, no order ever materialized. Consequently, no production progressed beyond the experimental stage of development. It is estimated that around 100 of these rare prototype pistols were ever manufactured, with this specific pistol being number "119" on the butt of the grip, (with the number "2" below it). There are shallow grip serrations on both sides of the slide. The top of the slide has a raised, serrated sight rib with a blade front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. The pistol has a flared front grip strap and magazine floor plate. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with a stylized "G" above the two-line legend: "GUSTLOFF-WERKE / WAFFENWERK SCHUL". The bright finished barrel chamber is stamped: "Kal.7.65 mm". It is fitted with a set of molded brown bakelite checkered grips with the left grip having a large circled letter "G" molded into it. It is complete with two steel magazines, one numbered "16" on the base plate and the other unmarked. The steel slide is still in the white never having been blued, and so is the duraluminum frame. Complete with an unmarked brown leather shoulder holster.

Fine. Most of the slide remains bright with scattered brown patina, mainly on the muzzle end and top rear. The frame retains the original gray unfinished appearance. The grips are excellent with a few minor scuffs and sharp checkering. The markings remain sharp. Mechanically excellent. The holster is about good. The magazine pouch has been removed, otherwise there are a couple minor cuts on the back, some age cracking, and tight stitching. Certainly a nice addition to any German military collection.