walther pp 22

Question
Hi.  I have walther pp 22lr that my wife inherited from her dad.  I've been researching a bit and i just could not pinpoint for certain as to when the gun was built and probably how much the gun will cost now.  

On its left slide it says "carl walther woffenfabrik ulm/do model pp cal.22l.r."  and beside it is an eagle over N  which if found out is a west german proofmark starting in 1952.  the serial number is 23374lr and beside it is another eagle over N.

On the ejection port cover there is another eagle over N and another proofmark which i think is a deer antler representing Ulm.

I'd appreciate anything that will enlighten me with gun's history.  Thanks.

Answer
Andrew,

Thanks for your email.   The proof marks you reference do date to 1952 which is when both proof marks started to be used.  Ulm would also indicate a post war manufacture since pre-war and wartime guns were made in Zella Mehlis.  After WWII, the Allies prohibited the manufacture of firearms in Germany.  Walther contracted with a French company called Manurhin to build Walther pistols starting in 1952.  They continued to build them until 1986. The stag antler is a proof mark from a proof house in Ulm while the Eagle N is a commercial "Nitro" proof for guns using smokeless powder.

You didn't mention what kind of condition the gun is in which has a dramatic effect on the value.  It is very difficult to provide an accurate valuation without actually seeing the gun or very detailed photos of the gun.  In 90% condition the gun is likely worth $375-$423 to a collector.  At 80% it drops to $325-$350.

As far as the serial number goes, there are really no resources to look up the date.  You can try www.p38forums.com and see if someone there can help you as there are some Walther enthusiasts have access to private databases they have compiled.  The model PP in .22 LR series was discontinued in August of 1985 and ended with serial number 53841lr.  I suspect that you are probably somewhere in the later part of the 1960s in terms of manufacture date.

I'd suggest you try the P38 Forums...there are a lot of very helpful people there that can probably get you a more accurate answer than I can...

Hope this helps you out...

Best regards,

Doug Little