This is an example of an extremely scarce Gustloff-Werke experimental, semi-automatic pocket pistol that was manufactured circa 1940-1941. 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 "1278" on the left side of the frame. 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 that is unnumbered and the other one stamped "201" on the spine of the magazine.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blued finish on the slide with no finish on the frame. The grips are in excellent condition with light handling wear/marks on the sides. Mechanically excellent. A very fine example of a scarce Gustloff-Werke experimental pistol.