This is an example of a beautiful Walther Model 9 pistol, custom engraved with gold line borders and ivory grips. Presented to "Dr. Otto Hellmuth". The ivory grips have the early blue enameled grip insert with the initials "CW" in the center (for Carl Walther) that has also been fitted with a silver "SA" emblem on the lower left side. Dr. Otto Hellmuth was originally born on July 22, 1896 and entered service as a war volunteer and was assigned to Infantre-Regiment 4; during World War I he was wounded four times and left service in 1918. He joined the Nazi Party in the late 1920s and was eventually appointed as the Gauliter of Lower Frankonia. He survived the war, was tried as a War Criminal at Dachau, in 1947, and was sentenced to death, however his sentence was commuted to life in prison. He was released in 1955 and died in 1968. The pistol is engraved in an early factory pattern that features a fine scroll engraving with a fine gold line border around the "WALTHER" name and the edges of the slide on each side. The right rear end of the slide is heavily/deeply engraved with "Dr. Otto Hellmuth", in a Germanic style lettering. The left side of the slide has a one-line "Walther's Patent MOD. 9" markings over the Walther banner with the right side having the single Walther's address markings. The serial number "417667" is located on the rear section of the frame behind the grips. It has the standard blade front and grooved slide rear sight notch. As noted it has original and very rare original Walther factory, smooth ivory grips with the Walther blue enameled inserts on each sides one with: "CW" logo and "6.35" with the silver "SA" emblem on the left side. This pistol is complete with the magazine which has an engraved base plate also with a gold border. This exceptional pistol is complete with an original brown russet leather presentation case with a large Gold Nazi eagle inset on the top of the lid with a blue velvet liner. The lower left edge on the inside of the replacement case has a small oval silver disc. With a copy of a letter from noted author James Rankin, which verifies the model and configuration. It does not state the additional features are Walther work.

Fine as partially refurbished with 50% of the blue remaining on the frame of the pistol with the slide having been professionally refinished at some point which has now taken on a aged gray patina look. The engraving and gold line borders are all in excellent condition. The ivory grips are excellent condition with a nice aged yellow look. The Walther factory blue enameled disc and the larger "SA" emblem are very fine, but does show wear across the top of emblem as it sits slightly higher than the left grip. The custom made presentation case is also fine with minimal wear on the outside with the blue lining intact. An interesting, undocumented Walther No. 9 semi-automatic pistol.