West German PPK

[Alec]

Saw this at a gun shop today and had to pick it up; the price was right for its condition. I shot it a bit today and it performed flawlessly so far. It seems to have very little wear inside, save for the scratches on the barrel (probably from someone changing the recoil spring).

Can anyone give me an approximate manufacture date and ID on the the proof marks? There are three eagle/N stamps (frame, slide, barrel) and an Interarms import stamp on the frame.

 

[waidmann]

The eagle you refer to is the Bundesadler or federal eagle. Eagle N usually means the broad winged Nazi era eagle. That is the national proof. On the chamber there should be a antler (for the city of Ulm) and two digits for the year proven.

 

[Ron James]

The Eagle N replaced the Eagle Crown as the National proof mark on April 1, 1941. Production of the Walther PP/PPK series firearms stopped in 1945 until 1952 at which time Manurhin , France { under license } produce all of the PPs and PPKs for Walther until 1985, at which time Walther assumed manufacturer until 1999. Manurhin used the serial numbers 100305A to 266310A { on PPK's} from 1955 until 1985. However since the 1968 Gun control act forbid the importation of the PPK in 1968, I would guess your gun was made right at 68/69. Regardless of what is roll marked on the slide, All Walther PPs and PPKs were made in France until 1985, They were then shipped to Germany for final assembly and proof. I have been told that Walther did make some PP's and PK's in Ulm , Germany prior to 1985, but I have been unable to find a single serial number listed as being made by Walther between 1952 and 1985.

 

[Jim K]

When using the term "eagle" in regard to German proof markings, it is important to distinguish exactly what "eagle" is meant. The Law of 1891 mandated what is often called the "Imperial" eagle, with wings folded down. Then, the proof law of 1939 (after the Nazis took over) changed the eagle marks to use the straight wing Nazi eagle, and that is the one seen on WWII guns.

The 1952 law in what was then West Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland - BRD), changed the eagle once again to a drop wing type with the wings almost meeting at the eagle head, the Bundesadler or Federal Eagle. In the meantime, East Germany (Deutsche Demokratische Republik - DDR) not only adopted proof marks using an eagle that closely resembled the Imperial eagle but also revived the crown (in a Communist state!) over letters, leading to confusion by people who believe guns made in East Germany were made decades earlier based on the crown and eagle.

Jim

 

[Alec]

Lots of good info, thanks folks. Is it safe to say that this is a pre-GCA import as it is an german-assembled PPK (rather than a PPK/S)? The paperwork is probably from the 60's, just judging by the printing.

 

[Ron James]

Yes.

 

[Alec]

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I have an update.

According to the letter-code date stamp on the pistol that I overlooked before, this gun was manufactured in 1980.

My next question is-- how was it legally imported?

 

[Ron James]

That is interesting, I wasn't aware that Walther ever used a alpha date code? However a two digit numeric date code should be stamped on top of the barrel along with the antler proof mark.

 

[waidmann]

If it bears an Interarms stamping one assumes it was legal. If bore no importers mark it would likely have been by a service member or authorized government employee.

The problem is that they would have to apply on ATF Form 6 six months to 90 days prior to reurn and ATF would deny a PPK.

One possiblility is a rebarrel? MY PP (IH, Ulm) is marked above the trigger on the frame and on the barrel. Is yours?