Incredibly Unique, Floral-Pattern Factory Engraved Walther PP - Phosphate Finish

Description

11/13/26 - This is a rare factory engraved Walther PP made in 1940, serial 215433p, and is the only PP ever recorded with a full phosphate finish. There are several clues that help shed light on what we believe is the likely story behind this incredibly unique Walther. It belongs to a solid block of 300 known factory engraved PPs, with the serial range 215150p to 215450p (which this pistol falls within) set aside for engraving. Some of that block were purchased from Walther. Some were used as presentation guns during the war. At least 15 were never issued by the Germans. They were found in the factory when the Americans came and took it over, and they are easy to identify because they have no German proof marks. Some carry the name of the GI who picked them up, including one presented to George Patton from his men (serial 215297p). This pistol has no test proofs and no firing proofs, so we know Walther never issued it. The engraving is a floral pattern, which is far less common than the oak leaf and acorn. The finish is full phosphate, which is not a particularly beautiful finish, but it is incredibly unique. This example has retained nearly all of that phosphate, though mild surface oxidation is scattered throughout much of the metal. The most likely scenario is that a GI picked it up and decided to put it into a bluing tank that turned out to be phosphate. However, the definitive origin of the finish, and whether it was applied by accident or on purpose, will likely forever remain shrouded in mystery. It has been in Tom's personal collection for a few years, remaining in the same condition as when it came to the US in 1945. It comes with an excellent set of presentation style brown mottled grips, the kind typically seen on nickel or Verchromt Walthers. The magazine is also all-phosphate and in excellent condition, with a W on the bottom of the tube on the opposing side of the Banner logo, which indicates the magazine was made in 1945. The bore is near-mint, shiny with sharp rifling, and shows very few signs of use.