This is a unique example of a scarce pre-WWII Karl Heinemann designed "side-toggle lock" prototype semi-automatic rifle produced by the Rheinmetall company. This early semi-automatic rifle design utilized the "Bang Gas Trap" recoil system that was designed in 1911 by Soren Hansen Bang of Denmark. This beautiful rifle is briefly discussed on page 149 and actually pictured on pages 150 and 151 of the reference: "Hatcher's Notebook". It is noted that this design was actually tested by the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1929 chambered in the .276 Pedersen cartridge. There is no additional information available on this rifle; however, based on the overall design of this style of gas system, we know that this gas system was eventually experimented/tested by the Walther factory as the early G41s used the same type of system. The Bang system uses a gas trap on the end of the barrel and a small operating rod mounted underneath the barrel. The action itself has a large bolt latch and toggle action mounted sideways on the right side of the rifle with a large toggle pin on the rear of the receiver, very similar to a Luger design. It is chambered for the 7.92 mm rifle cartridge and uses a detachable box magazine that appears to hold 4-5 rounds. It is fitted with a Mauser type ramp front sight base (missing the front sight itself) that is similar to what was used on early Mauser hunting rifles and a three leaf rear sight (one standing and two folding). All are unmarked. The rifle action and all internal parts are all machined and beautifully fitted, so the action is smooth as glass. It has a beautiful Mannlicher type, full-length, walnut stock with a small checkered pistol grip with an early German style small oval cheekpiece. The pistol grip is fitted with an unmarked black plastic grip cap and it has a black plastic checkered "Walther" marked buttplate. Certainly a very rare, fresh to the collector market, experimental/prototype Walther semi-automatic rifle! The consignor tag that accompanies this rifle states that it is a "Karl Heineman Sporter, Walther".

Excellent with a 97% of a dark matte type blued finish overall with only minor handling marks. The stock is very fine condition showing minor handling marks, light scratches and light pressure dents on the sides in various areas. Mechanically fine. A very interesting early Walther prototype rifle.