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LOT 3404
Attractive Engraved Commercial Walther
PP Semi-Automatic Pistol in 22 LR with
Post-War Walther Presentation Case, Holster and Rankin Letter -
Serial no. 933076, 22 LR cal., 4 inch round
bbl., blue finish, black checkered plastic grips. This is a fabulous example
of an engraved Walther PP pistol in the
very desirable “22 LR” caliber. The serial number range of this Walther
PP pistol falls right in line with other pre-war Walther PPs also produced in 22 LR as shown on pages 72-75, Volume I, of “Walther Models/PP and PPK
pistols” by James Rankin. These 22LR pistols were manufactured throughout production for both the PP and PPK models but on a very limited basis and are
always desirable. As noted this exceptional pistol, has a beautiful and very traditional Germanic “Oak Leaf and Acorn”, engraving that covers 98% of the entire pistol combined
with a geometric engraving pattern. This pistol has the standard fixed sights, with the left side of the slide marked with the Walther Banner followed by “Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur)/Walther’s
Patent Cal.22” followed by “Mod PP”. The right side of the slide, chamber area and front end of the barrel are correctly stamped with
the “Crown/N” Commercial proofs. Interestingly enough the Walther factory engraved the serial number on the lower right side of the
pistol frame under the right grip. Clearly indicating that this engraver wanted to utilize as much frame surface as possible, certainly a
unique feature. It has a matching partial serial number (076) hand scratched on the inside of the slide. This pistol is complete with the
post-war blue leatherette covered Walther presentation case that has the maroon felt lining. Inside the lid it has the large “WALTHER”
logo inside the banner and inside the case it has a separate compartment for the one finger rest magazine. Included with an unmarked
brown leather PP holster. With a signed copy letter from author James Rankin who states “Walthers that are found with serial numbers under the
grip plate are fully engraved”.
CONDITION: Very fine as custom embellished with 98% plus of the blued finish overall, with a hint of edge wear on the front of the slide. The markings and engraving is sharp and distinct. The grips are also very fine with nice sharp distinct checkering and markings. The Walther case is in exceptional condition, with only a few minor scuffs/wear spots on the edges/corners of the lid. The hinges and lock are all in excellent condition. The holster is good with scuffs and tight stitching. An attractive example of a highly desirable post-war engraved Walther Model PP pistol in the highly desirable .22 LR caliber.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 3405
U.S. Test Trials DWM
Model 1900 American Eagle Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 6404, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
This is a desirable example of a 1900 DWM “American Eagle” Luger as developed and sold to the U.S. Government after the turn of the century for U.S. testing and field
trials. In April 1900, the U.S. Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1,000 DWM Model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots; approximately 800 on 26 October 1901 and the remaining 200 on
29 October 1901. A list of recorded serial numbers can be seen on page 387 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows/Ellis, with this Luger 7 digits off of
another listed. These early American Eagle test Lugers were made expressly for the U.S. military when they were interested in the Luger as a replacement for the .38 caliber revolvers that were
in service in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The three most distinguishing features noted on all these Lugers are no German acceptance proof marks, they lack the typical “Germany” export markings
usually found on the front of the frame or under the barrel and the last two digits of the serial number
are stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the takedown lever. Another feature found on some but not all test Lugers is a small German ordnance bomb proof that resembles the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof, which this example has stamped underneath the chamber area of the barrel extension. While the Lugers
had a number of virtues, they weren’t what the military was looking for and it was decided that the large bore automatic was the wave of the future. The survivors of the testing were declared surplus and released for public sale by way of Bannerman’s. Fixed sights, with the large American Eagle on top of the chamber, and correctly no
proof marks or “GERMANY” markings. The small parts are straw finished, with checkered grips and a correct nickel finished magazine with a walnut base and faintly visible bomb proof on the bottom of the magazine.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 95% blue finish and 80% straw colors. The professionally made replacement grips are also very fine with crisp checkering. The bolt hold open does not properly function, otherwise mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500 263
Collector’s Fact
Only one thousand DWM 1900 "American Eagle" Lugers were authorized by the U.S. Ordnance Board in April 1900 for military trials.