PHENOMENAL FACTORY ENGRAVED, WALTHER PPK, HIMMLER SIGNATURE PRESENTATION

PHENOMENAL FACTORY ENGRAVED, WALTHER PPK, HIMMLER SIGNATURE PRESENTATION.

22-2877

Cal. 7.65mm
S# 318750K

PLEASE NOTE:

Since our posting, we received new and clarifying information.  The consigner states that the pistol was given to him by his father who brought it back as a WWII souvenir. At the time it was coated with a paint that was stripped, leaving the pistol with an unsightly mottled salt blue that was subsequently removed, traces still apparent around the front sight, hammer, and in the magazine well. The pistol was manufactured in early 1942 even though the slide inscription cites 1943. Careful comparison to other engraved Walther PPKs shows some unique differences from the other known examples considering that this is a one-of-a-kind pistol, personally reviewed with provided letters by noted author James Rankin.

Due to the unusual nature of this rare PPK and the unique differences from some of the other known examples, this item will not be covered by Poulin’s guarantee and is being offered “as is”. The responsibility must be assumed by the buyer and his/her agent.

This extraordinary, highly ornate PPK is just one of 3 presentation pistols known to have this level of embellishment w/ a dated signature. First is in the Rankin book, pictured on pages 39, 40 and 53. The other was sold by a major auction house in 2013. This pistol has the same inscription except the date, engraved by the same hand. The left crest of the slide, above the Walther banner, inscribed “DEM TAPFEREN! VOM REICHSFUHRER.” (To the Valiant, from the Leader H. Himmler) / 1943 / “H. HIMMLER” On the right side of the slide is a shield surrounding a symbol w/ 2 pillars resting on a base, reportedly the insignia used by the SS division during the battle of Kursk.

The full S# is in the usual location on the right side of the frame. On the front strap is a scriptic “K” within a vertical oval. Virtually all other surfaces have been deeply engraved w/ an oak leaf and acorn pattern. The frame boss within the ejection port has a cross hatched pattern surrounding the eagle “N”, the same pattern repeated on each side of the upper trigger guard web. At the rear of the matching slide is the loaded chamber indicator. Although the gun was likely originally fitted w/ white grips, this example has standard pattern brown mottled grips, right side having a circular ivory colored inlay. An undated but signed letter from Walther authority, James Rankin referenced the insignia on the right side of the slide & and felt that this gun was a presentation from H. Himmler to Walter Kruger, General dur Waffen SS, Kruger being a Knight’s Cross holder and an SS Panzer General. In 1943 Kruger was commander of Das Reich. “The date on the pistol, 1943 along w/ the special Das Reich insignia for the Kursk battle would seem to confirm the engraved “K” stands for Kruger, the Waffen SS General and Commander of Das Reich during that period.” His estimate of this pistol was $100,000-150,000.

STATUS: CURIO