Walther PP 7.65 WaA359

Question
Hi Doug
A friend has a Walther PP 7.65 WaA359 for sale.  Has serial # of 362081 P
Could you please tell me something about this weapon.

Thanks very much

Mike D

Answer
MIke,

Thanks for your question.  The pistol you are talking about is a Walther 'Police Pistol'.  This was a full size pistol designed for carry as a service pistol.  Since it is marked 7.65, it is a .32 caliber gun in US caliber specifications.  This was very typical for handgun during the period this gun was built.  

Based on the markings you describe, the gun was probably produced in the 1943-44 timeframe.  The WaA359 is a military proof mark or acceptance mark.  The WaA359 is a "Waffenamt" proof which confirms that the gun was manufactured for the military.  The '359' is actually the military code for the Walther pistol.  Assuming you have a matching serial number gun (numbers on the frame and slide match) and that it is a blued finish, you gun is collectable but not especially rare.  It may also have proof marks like a 'eagle over N'.  This would be typical for a gun of this period.

Depending on the condition of the gun, the range of values are:
98% condition - $850
95% condition - $625
90% condition - $500
80% condition - $350
70% condition - $300

Most specimens out there are in the 70-80% condition range.  For a gun to be in 90% or better condition would be pretty unusual unless it had been really cared for.  Most of the guns like yours were 'bring backs' of WWII vets that served in Germany at the end of the war.  The values I have provided are based on the Blue Book of Gun Values, 28th edition.  

You might also want to check out the P38 Forums.  There are a lot of Walther enthusiasts on that site and if you are interested in finding out a lot more details, that would be a good place to visit.

www.p38forum.com

Hope this helps you out...

Doug