This is a historic example of a Walther engraved, factory Presentation Grade Nazi era Model PP semi-automatic pistol. The Walther factory has always been known for having some of the best engravers in Europe, and this pistol is no exception. It features an exceptionally detailed, full coverage, traditional deep relief Germanic "Oak Leaf and Acorn" style engraving with a stippled background that covers virtually all the exposed metal surfaces intermixed with a lite geometric pattern borders and highlights. It has been fitted with a beautiful set of matching grips that feature a highly engraved oval presentation inset on the left side with the raised relief engraved initials "GM" with a large German Army style Nazi eagle on the right grip panel. The layout and attention to detail of the engraving and the actual depth of the relief engraving is just exceptional! Certainly indicating this pistol was presented to a senior high ranking Nazi Party official or Army Officer. The initials on the left grip panel may indicate that this actual pistol was presented to SS-Untersturmfuhrer, Maximilian Grabner, Austrian Gestapo Chief and Chief of the Political Dept at Auschwitz. The "Oak Leaf and Acorn" engraving covers all surfaces including the front and back end of the slide, the grip straps and complete trigger guard bow. The pistol is a late pattern with the 60 degree safety, ring hammer, loaded chamber indicator and no lanyard loop. The slide has the standard two-line, Walther Banner followed by "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur)/Walther's Patent Cal 7.65mm" followed by "MOD.PP", which have all been framed or outlined as a raised panel with the engraving going right up to the edge of the panels. 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, and the last three digits of the serial number scratches are on the inside of the slide. This beautiful master engraved Walther pistol has an all "Gold Wash" finish and as noted is fitted with a set of original grips. It is complete with one Walther marked PP magazine with the flat base, that is also engraved on the underside of the base plate and completely "Gold Washed" to match the pistol. An engraved Hermann Goering Presentation Walther PP pistol, almost identical to this exceptional example is shown on page 97 of Walther, A German Legend by Manfred Kersten. This same pistol is on page 14 and 15 of Walther Volume II by Rankin and is erroneously identified to Helmut Gommlich, thus creating confusion when two figures share the same initials, fortunately not the case with this example, as we are compelled to present the facts and let the prospective buyer draw their own conclusion!
Excellent with 85% plus of the original gold wash metal finish, showing some minor flaking and finish loss on the front and rear grip straps, and on the exposed areas of the engraving where the finish has just flaked off. The grips are also in excellent condition having taken on a nice aged yellow color on both sides. Mechanically excellent. Certainly an exceptional, highly engraved Walther Presentation pistol.
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