This is an extraordinary and unique, relief engraved, gold plated Walther model PP with SA inscription, carved ivory grips with gold "VL" initials and factory case. This pistol is attributed to Viktor Lutze who along with Goring, Himmler and Heydrich drew up the lists of those to be liquidated in preparation of the Purge of Rohm in 1934, also known as the Night of The Long Knives. Lutze joined the German Army in 1912, fought in a few infantry regiments during WWI. He became a company commander and became a merchant and joined the police force after the war. He joined the Nazi Party in 1922. He worked with Albert Leo Schlageter in the resistance/sabotage of the Belgian and French occupation of the Ruhr in 1923. His organization of the Ruhr for the SA became the model for other regions after 1926. In 1933 he was appointed police president of Hanover and later its provincial governor and state counselor. He rose through the ranks and by 1933 was a SA-Obergruppenfuher. He was the Stabschef (Chief of Staff) of the Sturmabteilung (SA) from 1934 to 1943. On May 1, 1943 he was involved in an automobile accident and died the next day during surgery in the hospital. Documents that accompany the pistol indicate that it was surrendered to U.S. Army Lieutenant Winchester Kelso by the owner of an estate near Minden, Germany in the spring of 1945. Lt. Kelso was a platoon leader in the 84th Division a unit nicknamed the "Railsplitters". During the battle for the Ardennes his platoon and unit distinguished themselves against two Panzer Divisions. The pistol is gold plated and decorated with deeply chiseled Walther oak leaf and acorn pattern engraving. The Walther Factory legend is relief cut in a banner on the left side of the slide, (roughly translates to SA Pistol Shoot 1937). A panel on the right side of the slide below the ejection port is engraved "S.A. - PISTOLENSCHISSEN 1937". The ivory grips are carved in an oak leaf and acorn pattern with black background, a gold plated Walther banner is mounted on the right grip and the gold plated German script initials "VL" on the left grip. The serial number, "972851" is on the lower right side of the frame underneath the grips. The pistol frame, trigger guard, and barrel chamber are decorated with the same deeply chiseled relief engraving as the slide. Both the safety lever and the magazine release are fully engraved. The right side of the barrel chamber and muzzle are marked with a commercial "crown/N" proof mark. The level of engraving on this pistol is similar in quality to that shown in Adolph Hitler Model PP pistol illustrated on page 33 of WALTHER VOLUME II, ENGRAVED, PRESENTATION, AND STANDARD MODELS by James Rankin. The pistol is complete with a gold plated spare magazine with white plastic finger extension, blued steel cleaning rod, and three silver plated 7.65 cartridges. The pistol has a standard brown, leatherette factory case with green velvet lining. The inside of the case lid is embossed in gold with the Walther banner above "PP". The pistol apparently was engraved and presented as an S.A. shooting trophy.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus of the original factory gold finish. Wear is limited to high points of the relief engraving and panel edges on the slide and trigger. The pistol retains about 90% of the gold plated finish showing wear from normal usage and the spare magazine retains at least 95% with some scuffs and wear from normal usage. The grips are in near-mint condition with an attractive grain. The case exterior is excellent with slight wear on bottom edges, a separation of the leather on the right corner and some scratching on the bottom. The case interior has faded and has the expected compression marks/contact wear. The gold Walther banner and "PP" markings are bright. This pistol is an outstanding example of the highest quality engraving produced by Walther and is one of the most elaborately decorated Nazi Model PP pistols known. It is a unique pistol attributed to a high ranking Nazi official in exceptional original condition and features some of the most elaborate and detailed factory engraving of any Walther pistol. The only other example of this high of grade of embellished Walther Pistol that writer has viewed was the one presented to Adolf Hitler which reportedly was last sold in the vicinity approaching seven digit figures!