This is an attractive example of an all original Walther factory engraved gold plated Walther Model PP pistol with inscribed "SS" presentation grips. This exquisite pistol was engraved using the traditional deep relief under cut German oak leaf and acorn engraving pattern with geometric borders. The deep relief engraving covers virtually all the exposed metal surfaces, over which the pistol has been gold plated. The rear grip strap is adorned with a deep relief cut oval panel with the inscription "W/SCH". The pistol has been fitted with a set of Walther factory inscribed "SS" presentation grips. The pistol is a later pattern that has the 60 degree safety which has also been fully engraved. The markings on the left side of the slide have all been framed in an engraved panel with the oak leaf and acorn engraving going right up to the edge of the panels. The markings are: the Walther Banner, the two-line factory address/patent markings of "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur)/Walther's Patent Cal 7.65mm" followed by "MOD PP". 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 (989502). The left grip has been inscribed in five lines as follows "Zur Erinnerung/gewidmet vom/Fuhrerkorps u. Stab/der 57. SS Standarte/January 1939" (English translation is "Dedicated in remembrance from the Fuhrerkorps of the 57 SS Standarte January 1939"). This Walther pistol falls well within the serial number range of numerous other pre-war engraved Walther pistols as shown and documented in the excellent book "Walther Volume II- Engraved, Presentation and Standard Models" by James L. Rankin. Research into the 57th SS Standarte names SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Walter Schmidt as one of the unit's commanders, resigning from the post on 31 December 1938 just before the inscription date on the grip. Research into Schmidt shows one man who spent the bulk of WWII with the SS-VT, later the Waffen SS, participated in the invasions of both France and Russia, earned several awards, including the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and German Cross in Gold. Schmidt joined the SS in 1935 and later attended SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tolz. He graduated in time to see action during the Polish Campaign as a platoon commander in the 4th Company. Afterwards he was given command of the Panzerspahzuges in the SS-VT Division during the Battle of France. In June he was posted with the Wiking Division and took part in the invasion of Russia. In April 1941 he received the German Cross in Gold and was given command of the III Batalion Westland SS Wiking, which he later led out of the Cherkassy Pocket. His actions earned him the Oak leaves to the Knight's Cross. In January 1945 he was an instructor at SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tolz. A month later Schmidt was in command of the 38th SS Division Nibelungen comprised of teaches and students from the training school. At the end of the war he surrendered his command to the Americans on May 7, 1945 at which time he held the rank of ObersturmBannfuher (Lt. Colonel). In July 2000, he died in his home town of Bremen, Germany. This exquisite pistol comes with the original Walther presentation case, with the green felt lining with the dark brown simulated leather outer covering and is complete with one extra Walther marked, gold plated PP magazine with the finger extension base plate, the original cleaning rod and three nickel plated 7.65mm rounds. Provenance: the Jim Rankin collection as confirmed by the included letter by Rankin who states that he obtained the pistol in 1991 from the family of a World War II veteran (a captain in the 729th Field Artillery from April 1943 to 1946) who returned home with this pistol. Rankin intended to use this pistol in his fourth volume on Walthers.

Very fine with 40% of the original gold plated finish remaining, with wear mostly on the edges and high spots overall, which is typical of this type of Walther presentation pistol as the gold plating was able to adhere inside the deep relief engraved areas while on the smooth flats, the fragile gold finish easily flaked off with minimal use or handling (the under laying nickel plate is 99% intact). The grips are in excellent condition, with a very attractive mellow aged color on both sides, with the clear and distinct presentation inscription on the left grip panel. The presentation case is also in excellent condition with only minor wear on the interior lining from carrying the pistol and accessories, while the outside is in exceptional condition. A truly unique Walther factory engraved "SS" unit presentation pistol.