PPK W Variant - The Firearms Forum

rjguns1218 · 09-22-2010, 05:58 PM

So this is my husband's newly made account, that being said Ihave a question for you guys! He (ryan aka hubby) asked me to do some research on his newly acquired Walther PPK. He was "informed" by someone that the W at the end of the serial number makes it a known but "rare" variant. Every time I search it via Google or Yahoo search it brings me to you guys.

SO I thought why not ask you myself. The PPK was brought back by a GI (bring back papers to prove it) the serial number is 188260 W. I will attempt to attach pictures but, being new to this forum, Im not sure if I will succeed.

Jim K · 09-22-2010, 06:59 PM

The gun dates to 1940 and the finish and workmanship are consistent with that date. Unfortunately, I can't be of help with the "W" suffix; it normally would be a "K".

Jim

rjguns1218 · 09-22-2010, 07:07 PM

Thank you Jim for your quick response. Ryan already knew it to be a prewar production model. He only sent me (me being Katrina aka the wife) on the quest for information on the serial number because of being told it was a known but rare variant. Thus far I have come across no information either proving or disproving that. I guess the main concern is that it may be worth more than he thought.

RJay · 09-22-2010, 07:15 PM

Need to know all the roll markings ( or echings ) from the left side and the proof markings. Eagle over an N or Crown over an N? The only use of a W was by Manurhin ( who contracted with Walther ), the capitol W was an inhouse Manurhin factory identification to denote a prototype or reproduction. In any case the cracked grips reduces the value a great deal.

rjguns1218 · 09-22-2010, 07:27 PM

Unfortunately the pictures he took of the left side didnt not come out well. the slide etchings are: "Walther" (in the banner), "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (thur)", "Walther Patent Cal 7.65 m/m" ,"mod PPK". Crown over N on the slide and barrel. No other markings.

RJay · 09-22-2010, 07:55 PM

Well, it is a pre 1941 PPK, so that rules out Manurhin bit, perhaps one of the Walther experts has a answer or explanation.

rjguns1218 · 09-22-2010, 07:59 PM

Would it be more helpful if I tried to get some better pictures of the left side?

SSMN · 09-22-2010, 08:06 PM

Your Hubby's informant is correct. The W suffix is a rare variation seen occasionally and in collector grade (98% finish or better) they will go for upwards of $5,000.
No one to the best of my knowledge has found a reason for the suffix change in a narrow serial number range from K to W.
The subject gun is not in collector grade and probably worth less than half that. But still not too shabby. Treat it well.
A half dozen from serial #187 737 W to 194 994 W are known to exist.

rjguns1218 · 09-22-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSMN

The W suffix is a rare variation seen occasionally and in collector grade (98% finish or better) they will go for upwards of $5,000.
No one to the best of my knowledge has found a reason for the suffix change in a narrow serial number range from K to W.
The subject gun is not in collector grade and probably worth less than half that. But still not too shabby. Treat it well.
A half dozen from serial #187 737 W to 194 994 W are known to exist.

Thank you very much for the information. I will pass it on to the hubby when he gets home and let him do with it what he will. He always treats his firearms well.

Danny · 09-23-2010, 06:39 PM

Hello,
After Walther reached 1010000, the company decided to go back & start the serial numbers back at 172000K. The W was in the sn# range of 185400 -195100.Guessing, but not sure, 8,700 units had the W suffix & then after the W stopped, K was used to wars end.,. Though sought after by collectors, the price mentioned is no way true. In the condition of your husband's firearm, 800 dollars would be a fair estimate. Of course in 95% the pistol would bring more. Hope this helps?
Kind Regards
Danny
Note: The capture papers will add several hundred to the price.

09-22-2010, 06:59 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: PPK W Variant The gun dates to 1940 and the finish and workmanship are consistent with that date. Unfortunately, I can't be of help with the "W" suffix; it normally would be a "K". Jim

09-22-2010, 07:07 PM	#3
rjguns1218 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Re: PPK W Variant Thank you Jim for your quick response. Ryan already knew it to be a prewar production model. He only sent me (me being Katrina aka the wife) on the quest for information on the serial number because of being told it was a known but rare variant. Thus far I have come across no information either proving or disproving that. I guess the main concern is that it may be worth more than he thought.

09-22-2010, 07:15 PM	#4
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,486	Re: PPK W Variant Need to know all the roll markings ( or echings ) from the left side and the proof markings. Eagle over an N or Crown over an N? The only use of a W was by Manurhin ( who contracted with Walther ), the capitol W was an inhouse Manurhin factory identification to denote a prototype or reproduction. In any case the cracked grips reduces the value a great deal. __________________ RonJames

09-22-2010, 07:27 PM	#5
rjguns1218 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Re: PPK W Variant Unfortunately the pictures he took of the left side didnt not come out well. the slide etchings are: "Walther" (in the banner), "Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (thur)", "Walther Patent Cal 7.65 m/m" ,"mod PPK". Crown over N on the slide and barrel. No other markings.

09-22-2010, 07:55 PM	#6
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,486	Re: PPK W Variant Well, it is a pre 1941 PPK, so that rules out Manurhin bit, perhaps one of the Walther experts has a answer or explanation. __________________ RonJames

09-22-2010, 05:58 PM	#1
rjguns1218 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	PPK W Variant So this is my husband's newly made account, that being said Ihave a question for you guys! He (ryan aka hubby) asked me to do some research on his newly acquired Walther PPK. He was "informed" by someone that the W at the end of the serial number makes it a known but "rare" variant. Every time I search it via Google or Yahoo search it brings me to you guys. SO I thought why not ask you myself. The PPK was brought back by a GI (bring back papers to prove it) the serial number is 188260 W. I will attempt to attach pictures but, being new to this forum, Im not sure if I will succeed. -->

09-22-2010, 07:59 PM	#7
rjguns1218 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Re: PPK W Variant Would it be more helpful if I tried to get some better pictures of the left side?

09-22-2010, 08:06 PM	#8
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: PPK W Variant Your Hubby's informant is correct. The W suffix is a rare variation seen occasionally and in collector grade (98% finish or better) they will go for upwards of $5,000. No one to the best of my knowledge has found a reason for the suffix change in a narrow serial number range from K to W. The subject gun is not in collector grade and probably worth less than half that. But still not too shabby. Treat it well. A half dozen from serial #187 737 W to 194 994 W are known to exist. Last edited by SSMN; 09-22-2010 at 08:13 PM..

09-23-2010, 06:39 PM	#10
Danny Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Va Contributor Posts: 594	Re: PPK W Variant Hello, After Walther reached 1010000, the company decided to go back & start the serial numbers back at 172000K. The W was in the sn# range of 185400 -195100.Guessing, but not sure, 8,700 units had the W suffix & then after the W stopped, K was used to wars end.,. Though sought after by collectors, the price mentioned is no way true. In the condition of your husband's firearm, 800 dollars would be a fair estimate. Of course in 95% the pistol would bring more. Hope this helps? Kind Regards Danny Note: The capture papers will add several hundred to the price. __________________ THE GUN HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HISTORY. AN INVENTION WHICH HAS BEEN PRAISED & DENOUNCED...SERVED HERO & VILLAIN ALIKE...AND CARRIES WITH IT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY...TO UNDERSTAND THE GUN IS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HISTORY. Last edited by Danny; 09-23-2010 at 11:33 PM..