This is a beautiful example of an all original Walther factory engraved presentation grade, Gold plated Walther Model PP pistol with inscribed "SS" ivory grips. This exquisite pistol was engraved using the traditional deep relief under cut German oak leaf and acorn engraving pattern with geometric borders. The deep relief engraving covers virtually all the exposed metal surfaces, over which the pistol has been Gold plated. The rear grip strap is adorned with a deep relief cut oval panel with the initials (monogram) "WSCH". The pistol has been fitted with a set of Walther factory inscribed "SS" presentation ivory grips. The pistol is a later pattern that has the 60 degree safety which has also been fully engraved. The markings on the left side of the slide have all been framed or outlined in an engraved panel with the oak leaf and acorn engraving going right up to the edge of the panels. The markings are; the Walther Banner, the two line factory address/patent markings of "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur) /Walther's Patent Cal 7.65mm" followed by "MOD PP". The right side of the frame and slide have the "eagle/N" Nazi commercial proofmarks located on the right side of the barrel and directly below that on the slide below the ejection port. The serial number is marked vertically on the right side of the frame (989502). The ivory grips have been inscribed in five lines as follows "Zur Erinnerung/ gewidmet vom/Fuhrerkoprs u. Stab/der 57. SS Standarte/ January 1939" (English translation is "Dedicated to the remembrance of the Fuhrerkorps of the 57 SS Standarte January 1939"). This Walther pistol falls well within the serial number range of numerous other pre-war engraved Walther pistols as shown and documented in the excellent book, "WALTHER VOLUME II- Engraved, Presentation and Standard Models" by James L. Rankin. Research into the 57th SS Standarte names SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Walter Schmidt as one of the unit's commander's resigning from the post on 31 December 1938, just before the inscription date on the grip. Research into Schmidt shows one man, who spent the bulk of WWII with the SS-VT, later the Waffen SS, participated in the invasions of both France and Russia, earned several awards, including the Knights Cross with Oakleaves and German Cross in gold. He rose to the rank of Obersturm Bannfuher (Lt. Colonel). He led the III Battalion Westland SS Wiking out of the Cherkassy Pocket and at the end of the war surrendered his command of the 38th SS Division Nibelungen to the Americans on May 7th, 1945. This exquisite pistol comes with the original Walther presentation case, with the green felt lining with the dark brown simulated leather outer covering and is complete with one extra Walther marked, gold plated PP magazine with the ivory finger extension base plate, the original cleaning rod and three nickel plated 7.65mm rounds. Provenance: the Jim Rankin collection.

Excellent with much of the original gold plated finish remaining, with wear mostly on the edges and high spots overall, which is typical of this type of Walther presentation pistol as the gold plating was able to adhere inside the deep relief engraved areas while on the smooth flats, the fragile gold finish easily flaked off with minimal use or handling (the under laying nickel plate is 99% intact). The grips are in excellent condition, with a very attractive mellow aged color on both sides with no crack or damage, with the clear and distinct presentation inscription on the left grip panel. The presentation case is also in excellent condition with only minor wear on the interior lining from carrying the pistol and accessories, while the outside is in exceptional condition. A truly unique Walther factory engraved "SS" unit presentation pistol.