This is an excellent example of a very rare Gustloff-Werke experimental semi-automatic pistol. The development of this pistol design started circa 1938/39 under the direction of Fritz Sauckel, Gauleiter of Thuringia and was manufactured by the Gustloff-Werke. Mechanically the pistol bears a very strong resemblance to the Walther Model PP pistol, though with a simplified single action trigger mechanism and a takedown block independent of the trigger guard. Reportedly submitted to Hitler in early 1940, the Gustloff was proposed as a possible replacement police weapon, to be manufactured in Weimar using concentration camp labor to free up other manufacturers for military production, though the scheme never took off. Exact numbers and models are unverified, though it is believed that only approximately 100 were manufactured in all, possibly including a very brief late war commercial run. This example is numbered "1139", with "39" on the interior of the slide and "200" on the hammer. Fixed sights, with the Gustloff-Werke logo and address on the left side of the slide, "eagle/N" commercial proofs on the muzzle and frame, and a pair of checkered grips, one with a "WM" logo carved into it. Magazine not included. A copy of a letter from the consignor is included, attributing it as a bring-back by an unnamed member of the occupation forces in Germany, and that it was kept in the family for two generations afterward.

Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some bright edge wear, particularly at the muzzle, along with areas of gray patina and mild handling marks. The grips are very fine, with some light chips and dings. Mechanically excellent.