How Do I Know If My PPK or PP is Commercial or Military? | WW2 Pre-1946 Walther Pistol Variations

[@longshot7590]

Thank you so much for doing this video - it was just the "box top picture" I needed to fill in the missing pieces of my PPK puzzle! Seriously - EXCELLENT WORK

[@i.r.wayright1457]

Thanks for the info. I have a Walther PP S/N 219666P with matching numbered magazine. It has the "359" symbols. My Father was in the 782nd Tank Battalion and ended the war in Czechoslovakia in April 1945. He also brought home two bayonets with matching serial numbered sheaths. I fired the Walther and it has a very nice trigger.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Congrats on some great bring backs with family history. Your PP was issued to the Luftwaffe in 1941. The matching mag is a great boost to the value. Depending on condition it could be worth 1500 to 2400. Of course I would not recommend selling due to the connection with your Dad.

[@johnnyhall2528]

My dad also finished the war there.I have a Walther ppk 32 that he brought home .It has the brown plastic handles,one with the piece on bottom of clip and one without.Shoots very good.

[@johnnyhall2528]

He said he took it off a captured German colonel.

[@LAu-zg8cx]

Thank you very much. You never "bore me to death". I appreciate you spare us long shooting sessions and metal music. Keep on

[@michaelspencer831]

Great info. You just answered 99% of my questions on these iconic pistols. Keep up the great content!

[@lavida57]

I just finished reading your book cover to cover. It will take years for me to study all this info. Book with this viedos. Great stuff. Thanks

[@mikemeadows7312]

I found this video after emailing you about a walthher pp/k now i know what to look for thanks for doing the video to help us less knowledgeable on these guns.

[@stephanieroberts1394]

I very much appreciate this. Please bore me. Love the information. I can be a much better informed buyer of the earlier models. Thank you. It is nice to listen to someone who knows and is willing to share the information with us.

[@tonybryant7846]

I have a Walther PPK, from my step dad. In great condition and it still shoots like it's out of the box. It has some of these markings on it.

[@ClayWilliams-wp1kk]

You better keep it in the family! But if you don't I'll give you my number! I'm gonna buy one next payday if I can find one that is.

[@tonybryant7846]

@@ClayWilliams-wp1kk I called Walther and disgust the markings on it. It was common practice back in the 60's for an American soldier to have a German counterpart as an MP, and they would often trade or buy each others weapons. My step father was an MP in Bad Tolz then and that's how he got it. It was a military pistol issued to his German counterpart police guy. So now I have it.

[@shankarbalan3813]

Very well researched and presented. Great for the historical value and accuracy of information.

[@The_makarov]

I just sent you an email on a walther pp that I picked up today. Very interesting and a lot of information. Thank you

[@digdtom]

Just when I thought I new a little something, I watch these videos and realize I don’t.

[@heikopanzlaff3789]

The N in this eagle stamp means Nitro- smokeless propellant. Sometimes on very old ones NP ( neues Pulver ). Here in Germany all weapons still have this or a - similar with an N - stamp when they are intendet to fire this powder. Blackpowder only guns are stamped with an S ...

[@kenclouser9368]

I inherited a Walther PP from my father after he passed, from the info I got, it was manufactured at the original Walther plant in 1944. Past that I have no idea about it.

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Email us at [e-mail] with serial number and I can tell you about it.

[@wompus_king]

Missed you guys!

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Thanks Steve... we took a day off !! :)

[@MrJerry160]

I hear the plumb color comes from the nickel content in the steel

[@enscroggs]

7:17 Is that 9mm Kurz (aka .380 ACP) or 9mm Parabellum?

[@esfwr17]

my PP seems to be a late war unissued walther. 383####P with the AC code under it and no Waff marks on the frame. Had it for several years and just now got around to doing a bit of homework on it. Im assuming that having no Waff proofs means that it is unissued.

[@pmimagery1295]

Wonderful, educational video! I really enjoyed it.

[@georgetreepwood1119]

I have a pair that was part of a Swedish Military/Police order which were marked with the eagle but mine were pulled and given a commercial ( Imperial style) crown proofs.Officers in Europe were expected to buy their own pistol England did so up until WW2 I'm still tracking Capt. Percy T-Horton's Webley -a relative

[@LelleKidd]

That wooden pp looks beautiful, it must feel nice in the hand

[@robertriley5550]

Hi. Bob i have a PP 7.65 with R.F.V 5975 W ON THE TRIGER GAURD SS# 902557 WHAT DOES THAT STAND FOR. THANK BOB

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Meaning of the RFV ? Answered on this video. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJWWcqyvrdmAiKM

[@fredlance2538]

I have a ppk that was gifted to me by a late friends son , I dont know much about it sn. 330322 it has a holster extra clip and someone wrote their name and 1941 on the inside flap . Any info you can share would be great . thank you .

[@paologiuffredi8403]

great Video, very useful infos...thanks!

[@invisibletosociety8338]

Nice shirt. Awesome PP/PPKs

[@williamstewart8449]

I inherited a Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do. Modell PP-Cal9mmKurz Serial No. 24998 A On the bolt there is a small spread eagle stamp followed with the number 67 and half of a deer antler. Can I shoot 380 ACP or what and what year was it made? Thanks

[@LegacyCollectibles]

67 is the year. 1967

[@williamstewart8449]

@@LegacyCollectibles The year I graduated High School! So...380 is what works in this gun?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

@@williamstewart8449 Most are 7.65 or 32 caliber

[@williamstewart8449]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 But wouldn't it say on the gun 7.65 instead of 9mm Kurz? Thinking it would shoot the 380 and not the 32?

[@williamstewart8449]

Did a bit of research on my own.... 380 ACP, 9mm short, 9mm Kurz are all the same round just different names. 7.65 x 21 is the .30 Luger. 7.65 browning, .32acp, 32 Browning those are the same round.

[@familygunsandrides....8024]

I have a 1922 F&N Browning 32 is the ammo it fires, but it has 7 waffen stamps all around the gun and on the end of the barrel. It's in great shape, what is it worth or I would like to know some kind of history of it.

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Depends on condition, they sell at the low end about 450, and high end about 700. I typically will have a couple on my website. legacy-collectibles.com

[@ReeeeeToaded]

if you bore them they should take a hiiiike! thanks for the video. very informative!

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Thanks. Love that affirmation !! Happy New Year

[@sami_am7860]

I really enjoy your very informative videos. And thank you for your personal answers to my queries per email.

[@ericcarbonell9927]

I just bought my first pp. going to do an inventory of the finish, grip serial number locations and stamps then see what I got. Thanks!

[@saxandphone6440]

I got a Walther PP and a P38 recently. Also got a M1914 and a Luger. German handguns are my favorite, and it's hard to decide which I like best. Luger collecting definitely allows for the highest amount of variability; there are just so many different models and makes throughout the years. I still want to add a PPK and a Mauser C96 to the collection. Any other recommendations?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Sauer 38h. Like the PPK. Also, not German, but the Hungarian Femaru from the Nazi era !

[@saxandphone6440]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 interesting choices. I'm actually also considering an Astra 400. It's made in Spain but at least 10, 000 were shipped to Germany and used in WW2. It has a very sleek profile and almost looks like something out of science fiction. The Frommer Stop is also an interesting looking pistol, but more associated with WW1.

[@gregspag]

@@saxandphone6440 I got an Astra 400 a few months ago. S/N 91673. Paid 375. Just got some 9mm largo ammo and will be shooting it soon. It feels really good in my hand.

[@johnspeers4720]

I bought a Walther 9m PPK/S from a dear family friends late husbands collection. Her husband was a DEA agent in NYC and Seattle. I’m having a heck of a time tracking down the manufacture date. It was manufactured in (at the time) West Germany. I emailed Walther but came up pretty much empty. Can you suggest a website the link or??? Thank you

[@MikeS309]

on mine the manufacture date was stamped on the chamber. It is stamped 76 followed by what appears to be a palm leaf and then the eagle N that he mentioned in this video. So mine was made in 1976 in west germany.

[@CrackingTheCodeOfSpyMovies]

Would love to have you on our podcast! Like your classy button-down too lol!

[@xSILENTNEMESISx]

well its been a long journey trying to find the date and more info about my PPK , some of the places where there should be some sort of marking if there was intented to be are scatched from mal-use even towards the end of the K in PPK something else is scratched. Not sure if i give you my serial number on here you would be able to find any info. The serial number and only serial number found aside from the inside of the upper which is scratched in very lightly i had to angle a light to see the shadows of the number which were 199 but the serial number on the side is {883199} . if theres any way to find any info that will be greatly awesome... thank you and i love your content.

[@babarama283]

My Walther PP has the dull finish and looks like a 4th or 5th variation. It is in very good condition. However, there' s no writing and/or markings on the left side of the pistol?! It has a 383XXX serial number followed by a P, and the letters AC underneath on the right side. There's no caliber markings but is a .32 ACP. Is my PP sound common or unusual? Thanks.

[@gerryjones2732]

very interesting.... but i found another one that fit my hand i like.... old.... heavy.... but i love the Beretta 1934 that no one seems to talk about much and has stayed cheaper to get my hands on.....

[@deadhorse1391]

Good video...might want to point out not regular 9 mm but rather 9 mm Kurz more commonly known as a 3.80

[@deadhorse1391]

Boom Diggaty , right now I think 380 ACP is pretty hard to find with the current ammo shortage. I saw a guy at my Sunday flea market the other week that had a few boxes, wanted $35 a box I think kind of high I no longer have a .380 traded off my PPK, HSC mauser and AMT years ago. I sort of didn’t see a real need for one. I do have a Makarov in 9 x 18 that I bought a case of ammo for a couple years ago

[@deadhorse1391]

Boom Diggaty no PP / PPK were ever made in regular 9 mm ( 9 x 19 parabellum ) their blow back design was not able to handle the higher pressures of the 9x19 I believe a few thousand PP Supers were made after the war for the 9x18 ultra cartridge , perhaps this is what you are confused over? I’m really not that knowledgeable about artillery

[@andrewgalea5412]

Hi would love to see what the standard German army holster looked like for the Walter PP military issue..

[@DisasterMaster3K]

How do I know if legacy collectibles is fat free?

[@itsabatha098]

Hi, I have a 1933 ppk with germany stamped on the left side of the slide, was this for export? thanks

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Yes. That indicates it was made for export . Likely to the US

[@itsabatha098]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 Thank you very much.

[@ddivinia]

Great video. Say -what is the best way to highlight the proof marks in white? What do people us to do that? Thanks, D.

[@jgomezazuero]

Very good video, thanks!!!

[@jerrysnider1950]

Do you recamend polishing p38s

[@LegacyCollectibles]

No, I recommend keeping them cleaned and well oiled.

[@JAC-ut6vl]

Were the commercial Walther PP pistols of 1938-1939 purchased by German officers in wartime or by private individuals? Are there any statistics on this? Thanks, regards.

[@jwaddle102]

I have an original PPK my dad brought home after WWII, and from what I could gather from the video, it is a pre-1940, having the N stamp. I went to your web page looking for the cheat sheet, but could not find it, Do you have an exact link?

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Email us at [e-mail]

[@methodeetrigueur1164]

The N means that it can fire nitro smokeless powder.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Send me the serial and i can give you information. [e-mail]

[@texaspatriot9159]

Very interesting video Thank you sir

[@aikidragonpiper71]

Were there any in 380 or is that only modern PPKs like the Smith&Wesson version and now the current PPKs made in Fort Smith, Arkansas ?

[@ashleyoreilly5585]

Very interesting and informative video. I have acquired a manurhin ppk. Would you have much info on the manurhins if I sent you pictures of it?

[@oswaldoporres7764]

What is difference between PP and PPK? Which is the reason?

[@kodew229]

Mine has only 6 digit serial starting with 349xxx and it's been rechambered for 9mm kurz. Has markings I know nothing about. Any advice? Bc I'd like to know more about it. Value etc

[@astor9917]

I have a ppk in 32 cal ser # 821892, I received this gun after my father passed away and the story I have is that he was given the ppk and a luger by a wwII vet , who picked up off a dead body and it had blood on it, the acid in the blood caused sone etching on the right side of the Pistol , however the left side is intact, the right side serial number was not effected by the blood and remained in tact, The Luger went to my brother who ended up selling it or I would still have it . any information would be greatly appreciated . Thank You Mark

[@kubanskiloewe]

are there also some made without any stamp or number at all ?

[@urbanjamnik4998]

I love walther ppk wery good video RESPECT =)

[@marcelocorreialimadarocha5498]

Fantástico review! Actually the PPK/S is only made in USA? Not more in Germany?

[@olvrbmw]

Ha! I'm the other guy still on AOL!

[@humbertocellig]

My father used to have the 9mm what a classic! Do you guy's know if it's easy to find that model these days?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Wartime examples of nice Walther PP's or PPK's are not hard to find. We have many nice examples on our website. However, 9mm would be more rare. They have the bottom release magazines (most do) and are only about 1-2% of the Walthers made. Vast majority are going to be 7.65 or 32 caliber

[@humbertocellig]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 Thank's guys. I will check your web site now.

[@godwinxuereb6875]

Hello Tom, Excellent detailed video. In my opinion there is no such thing as too much information :) I recently came across a Walther PPK with a 90 degrees safety, and a crown/N proof mark. So It's pre 1940. It also has a WaA359 proof mark. Serial number 791563. I looked at your cheat-sheet but could not find any reference with that high serial number. Would you say that it is a pre war commercial model and the military proof mark is a fake?

[@jimjouvenat776]

I'm talking ppks. I'm older than you but I believe I have a civilian version. 3226xxs is on the frame. I can't get an answer so I figure a civilian 1970's model. My P 38 on the other hand is definitely Natzi WWII. The grips are different but the stamping is all the same.

[@davidhilt9527]

Wow great video

[@fran84ve]

How can I know what year my ppk was manufactured?

[@MyWillypilly]

I wonder if the reddish guns went to the Afrika theater? Or it was to match uniforms?

[@ambudriver1128]

Just found your site. I have a wartime, no slide stamp walther pp. Serial number 374935 P. I also have the holster and Eurpoean theater HQ certificate.

[@bjbarr5]

Hi Tom, I'm looking to buy my first PP, hopefully from Legacy where I have purchased several guns. What is the significance, if any, to the direction of the serial numbers on the frame? Some go downward and others up. Also, why do some PPs have the slide serialized on the right side and others do not, at least outwardly? I can't seem to find a rhyme or reason to it as I've seen variances in both commercial and military ones. Thank you!

[@arthurholmes2210]

I found one of the Late 1945 without the legend but has black grips , i can see the mill marks and unpolished. I'll have it paid out very soon but i don't plan on shooting it, i have other guns i don't shoot.

[@paulquinn4704]

Hi, great informative video, also a great shirt Haha, I have a walther ppk with crown N proof markings, the serial number is 261291K , it's a nice high gloss finish. The mag is not numbered but has finger extension that matches the red/brown grips, any information on this pistol would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Paul

[@farhadkhalidahmed834]

I love Walter PP

[@VR-ym8ys]

You show a picture at the 2:30 mark, supposedly Nazi soldiers shooting P38's and Lugers. Actually the picture on the left shows early Bundeswehr soldiers shooting P1's.

[@methodeetrigueur1164]

And on the right, Luftwaffe soldier.

[@stoneblue1795]

Digging the shirt, boss. Looks great.

[@marvinluckie]

i have serial number 363882 Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do Modell PP Cal. 7.65mm. Can you tell me the history of this weapon?

[@bwanabwana9523]

Very good

[@scouter742]

Would you be kind enough to tell me when Walther made the PP Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do in 9mm Kurz. It's history as well. Thanks.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

I only collect data up to 1945. The Ulm factory opened in 1953 and didnt really start making their own PPK's in the 60's. I would assume your 9mm Ulm was made in the 60's. 9mm was one of the most popular calibers. Some went to the police.

[@kathyjay185]

My little .32 PP is a fabulous pistol. I'd like to research its particular history. Can you point me in the right direction? Made in France by Manurhin. Thanks so much.

[@DC-wg9rx]

Any chance you could make a video on different display options for collectable firearms?

[@RSfandude]

Mine's 247053A it says made in west germany Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do. would like to know when it was made ):

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Post War. 1960's I think

[@davew.7115]

I at one time had a Mauser that had 3 iron eagles on it.

[@michaelgosnell5948]

I have a Walter pp made in ww11 .sr# 322271p can you tell me the year made??

[@thefrizzell91]

How do I know what year my interarms ppk/s is? It has the crowns. The French paperwork says 1960 but interarms wasn't doing them til 1980 so I'm confused. My test fire doesn't have a date. The serial number starts with 251

[@methodeetrigueur1164]

Josh Frizzell French paperwork ? Was it built by French factory Manurhin after war ?

[@thefrizzell91]

@@methodeetrigueur1164 the only manurhin stamp is at the bottom next to where magazine goes in. Says interarms on right side. The barrel has the French military St. Etienne stamp with crown. The gun has a blued finish

[@methodeetrigueur1164]

Josh Frizzell Manhurin built Walthers P.38, PP and PPK after war, between 1955 and 1989. I never heard about PPK/S made by this french factory, which was designed for US market. Perhaps a mismatched gun with a French barrel ?

[@methodeetrigueur1164]

And maybe the frame made in France ?

[@thefrizzell91]

@@methodeetrigueur1164 no idea. It is blued but the barrel is stainless and says st Etienne with the crown. Then the frame has a crown next to my seriously number. 2 crowns total

[@trustsbm6]

I have a PPK 7.65 P.M.1940. Whats the worth

[@commodorerook3797]

I have a PPK circa 1943, so will send my serial...

[@markamurat4952]

Hello, WALTHER PPKS 7.65 mm. magazine capasty 13+1 ?

[@brucecarson1778]

No should be 7 or 8 I believe. They are a single stack magazine.

[@BertieW0oster]

I'm that one guy watching who still uses AOL, lol.

[@rosssalupo4770]

what is rfk on grip mean on an early pp no waffen marks

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Just did a video on the RFV variation and should be posting soon. I believe you mean RFV and not RFK. This would stand for Reichs Finance Bureau. Or Treasury Dept.

[@rosssalupo4770]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 you are correct rfv

[@russellmorash3816]

Was that a true 9 mm or 380 just for interest

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

9mm kurz or .380

[@ar6985]

How did you know I was still on AOL?

[@ar6985]

@Boom Diggaty 😳

[@davidr2975]

Did Germany export any pp pistols to the United States before 1939 ?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Yes . Lots of them

[@DrCitrixmeister]

Your cheat sheet shows a distinction between tight block and loose block for both the PP and PPK series. Your video doesn't mention the block in any way. Can you please elucidate?

[@nathanhale4328]

Not sure if mines military or commercial. I just clicked because I have *PP*

[@luger9857]

9mm and .380 are the same diameter

[@CrunchyPilot]

Wasn’t there an SS contract PP?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Yes. And I will be going over that variation soon. Ian did the video with me and it will be coming out within a week so stay tuned. Both PP and PPK SS contract guns.

[@sweidman4817]

I wish I had a shirt like that....

[@joegerich641]

What's aol?

[@ahomemovie6630]

Do. you sell these?

[@jimjouvenat776]

So we're getting off of ppks and going to P 38. 1997 d with a bunch of worn stamps.

[@byronthayer8990]

Where's your white gloves?

[@klepetar]

serial number on gun with one on the mag.. --> SS

[@ДокторНелюдь]

Под какие калибры ?

[@acoow]

2:20 Kinda like New York City.

[@peterfallert4994]

I have a PP SN 277873P possibly from Dachau concentration camp.

[@donnkelley6823]

Snazzy shirt dude

[@williamoxendine6121]

Love mine 380 wood handles says 9mm but 380 mine says Mauser made in Germany

[@armanduval.83]

I just found a PP in mint condition. I bought from a friend or 150 bucks, honest to God, that dude is not into guns and he just wanted to get rid of it, lol. Look at my videos, it is there. S/N 27505. What can you tell me about it?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Hi Armand. Took a look at your PP. Of course you know you got a GREAT bargain. Im sure your PP is worth $600 or more. From the markings and the serial we know that it is POST WW2. So from the 1960's. Made in the Ulm factory, West Germany (at that time). Comes in 9mm, which you also know as you loaded it up. In the 60's , 9mm was the most popular. Pre-1946 they were 90% 7.65 or 32 caliber. Beautiful finish and great choice of James Bond music. Congrats.

[@armanduval.83]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 Thanks for replying that fast, I really appreciate your comments. And yeah, I happened to find a great bargain. My friend is a musician and the gun belonged to his brother. Unfortunately I cannot find out more of the history of this gun. We live in Mexico City and this gun is rather rare to find. The gun hasn't even been shot, it is new! I would have liked to know how this walther made it to Mexico.

[@agentmarek]

please pronaunce "w" as "v", especially in the "waffen" word