This is a rare Gustloff-Werke experimental semi-automatic pocket pistol that was developed in 1939. Development of the pistol was promoted by Fritz Sauckel, Gauleiter of Thuringia and founder of Gustloff-Werke. This is a blow-back operated pistol design manufactured with a steel slide and a duraluminum frame. The overall shape is similar to the Walther PP models albeit with a completely internal hammer design (enclosed rear end of the slide). The pistol has a 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 German Police units with the production being accomplished at the old Weimar factory using slave labor from the nearby Buchenwald concentration camp. However, due to the large numbers of Walther PP and PPKs pistol already in use throughout the German military, no order ever materialized. Consequently, production did not progress beyond the early experimental or developmental stage, and it is estimated that approximately 150-200 of these rare pistols were ever manufactured. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with a stylized "G" above the two-line legend: "GUSTLOFF-WERKE/WAFFENWERK SUHL". 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 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. This specific pistol is numbered "127" on the butt of the grip and the accompanying magazine is numbered "140" on the base plate. The pistol has a flared front grip strap and magazine floor plate. It comes with a unmarked brown leather holster that has been fitted with a brass "U.S." collar insignia on the top of the flap.

Very good with the slide having browned out and shows wear on the edges and high spots overall. The frame remains in a spotted gray anodized frame color. The brown grips are modified on left panel above magazine release in a circular cut with nice distinct checkering on the balance. The holster is in good condition overall with the stitching on the edge having been resewn along time ago and an old brown polish. The edges of the flap show some scuffing and wear, and the leather is still supple. A solid representative example of a rare desirable, very limited production German Gustloff semi-automatic prototype pistol.