This is an extremely rare and historic Presentation Walther engraved pistol. Hauptmann Hans Philipp was one of German's top Luftwaffe fighter aces during WWII and is credited with 205 confirmed aerial victories in over 500 combat flying missions before he was shot down in October 1943. He joined the Hitlerjugend (HJ) in 1932 and received his HJ Honor Badge. He later learned to fly gliders in the HJ where he earned his A and B glider certificates. After Hitler reestablished the Luftwaffe in 1935, he decided to earn his flying wings, and, in September 1935, he passed his physical to become a pilot, observer and/or radio mechanic. He completed his 6 months compulsory service in the RAD (Reich Labor Service) and, later in August 1937, received his flying badge. He was posted to the 1st Group of the 253 Bomber Wing. Unsatisfied with that work, he was able to get transferred to Fighter Pilots School in Werneuchen. In July 1938, after completing this school, he was assigned to Jadgeschwader 138 (1st Group 138th Fighter Wing) where he transitioned from Heinkels 151 biplanes to BF-109 fighters. At the start of the German invasion, he served in Poland, France and in the Low Countries where on May 10th 1940 he claimed four aerial victories which earned him the Iron Cross 1st Class. In October 1940, during the Battle of Britain, he earned the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross for his 20th aerial victory. He continued to rack up numerous victories and, on August 1941 after 62 aerial victories, earned the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. This award was personally presented to him by Adolf Hitler at the Fuhrer's Headquarters in the Wolfs Lair in Rastenburg. He attained his 86th aerial victory in March 1942 which added the "Swords" for his Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves which was again personally presented by Adolf Hitler. On 31 March 1942, he attained his "100th" aerial victory, and at that time, was only the 4th Luftwaffe fighter pilot to achieve this mark. In January on the Eastern Front, he achieved his 150th confirmed aerial victory and continued to advance his flying career. On his 26th birthday, March 17 1943, he earned his 200th confirmed victory. In April 1943, he was transferred to Jagdeschwader 1 (1st Fighter Wing) where he transitioned to FW-190s and flew mission against the 8th Air Force over the North Sea and Northern Germany. He continued to advance his record and made his 204th and 205th confirmed aerial victories in May 1943. In October 1943, while leading his fighter wing against a larger bomber group from the 8th Air Force, his plane was critically damaged by a P-47 flown by Major Robert Johnson of the 61st Fighter Squadron. He tried to return to his airfield but was forced to bail out too low and his parachute failed to open. His body was recovered, and he was buried in Meissen (his home town) in October 1943. At the end of the war he was ranked as the 12th highest Luftwaffe Ace in Germany with 205 confirmed air victories. The pistol is a superb example of a Walther factory engraved presentation type PP pistol. The slide is not engraved with any type of presentation from a high ranking Luftwaffe General or Party member, so this wonderful pistol may have been personally commission by Hauptmann Phillips to commemorate his 100th victory. Over 95% of the metal surfaces are covered with a very fine vine and floral engraving with a light punch-dot background. It is even more rare in that it is chambered in the very desirable "9mm Kurz" (380 ACP) cartridge, which was produced on a very limited basis, and has the bottom magazine release. The left side of the slide has the standard Walther Banner followed by the two-line factory address with "Cal. 9m/m" followed by "Mod.PP". The upper side of the slide has a long engraved presentation banner that is engraved in the middle of the banner with: "Hpt. H.P. 'Fips' 100" over a second banner that reads: "Jagdflieger 31/3/42", which is the exact date he made his "100th" air victory as note above. The engraving is also found on the grip straps, trigger guard bow and sides of the frame. The rear grip strap has his family crest/shield. It is fitted with the standard black plastic grips with the Walther banner on each side. It is complete with a blue Walther marked magazine with the correct "9m/m" designation on the lower left side.

Very good with exceptional original engraving overall, the bright metal surfaces unblued, some minor spotting on top of the slide, and some fine erosion over the chamber area and front end of the barrel. The grips are also in very good condition with light handling marks and pressure dents on both sides. This was a personal pistol that he obviously carried or used at some point and is an extremely rare and very historically desirable WWII Luftwaffe Ace owned Walther PP pistol.