Walther Pistol from WWII

Question
QUESTION: My Dad was in the Battle of the Bulge and picked up a Walther pistol from a
dead German Soldier.  After his death I now have the pistol.  It is a Model PP and
has a serial number #306862P. Waffenfacrik Walther Zell-Mehlis (Thur) and still
has 32 caliber bullets in the clip.  Do you have any idea when this pistol was
made prior to  1945?  Also approx worth. Appears to be in excellent condition.

ANSWER: Jim,

Based on the manufacturing information provided, it could be of pre-WWII manufacture.  You need to provide me with more info as the serial number records are not adequate.  Can you describe any other markings on the pistol.  You might see an 'eagle over an N' or a 'crown over an N'.

Please send me a follow-up with ANY markings you see on the pistol and I'll try to help you localize it to a date.  Any value will follow from the date as well...

Thanks,

Doug


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Doug,
Thanks for the quick response.  There is a very small eagle over an "N"
imprinted on the side of the barrel but also on the chamber.  Walther is also
imprinted on the grip.  Thanks
Jim

Answer
Jim,

This was a pretty common version of the PP manufactured between 1940 and 1945.  In terms of value, the actual date makes very little difference.  Based on the serial number, looks like your gun was made in 1943.

Since I can't actually see the condition, I can't give you any reasonable estimate of the value.  I can only provide you with the 'book values'.  

They are as follows:

98% - $550
95% - $425
90% - $350
80% - $250

It could be worth more to a Walther collector.  You can find a bunch of them on the P38 Forums.

www.p38forum.com

Hope this helps you out...

Doug