walther pp .22lr

Question
I just bought a walther pp in .22lr. I am curious as to the age (whether it is pre-war, war-time, or post-war, and maybe help with the value of it.

On the left side of the slide it says "walther made in w. germany" and "carl walther woffenfabrik ulm/do model pp cal.22l.r." It also has this design with the number 129 under it below the magazine release

on the other side of the slide it has that design with the number 129 under it again the serial number 42244 "iac alex va" and "42244lr" between the grip and the trigger.

I'd appreciate any help.
Phil

Answer
Phil,

Walther has a pretty interesting history.  The gun that you have is the Polizei Pistol (Police Pistol).  It is essentially the full size version, while the PPK (Polizei Pistol Kriminal) was the more concealable detective's version.

To give you a short history, all Walther pistols manufactured prior to the end of the war we made in the Zella-Mehlis plant.  At the end of the war, the factories in Zella-Mehlis were dismantled.  That part of Germany was to be a part of the Soviet zone (East Germany).  Walther left and took up resident in a town called Ulm.  Immediately after the war, the Germans were prohibited from manufacturing weapons.  No Walthers were made until 1952 when Walther licensed production to a company called Manurhin in France.  Many were marked as 'manufactured under license from Walther' though some were not.  In many cases, the French manufactured parts were tested and assembled in Ulm at the Walther factory.  Walther ended the license agreement with Manuhin in 1986 and began manufacturing the PP in Germany again.

Based on what you have described, your pistol was imported by Interarms of Alexandria, VA. and is of fairly modern manufacture.  Interarms starting importing and selling Walther pistols in the US in 1955.  The PP in .22 cal was imported between 1963 and 1984.  I can't pin the serial number range so that is about as close as I can get on the age of the pistol.  In terms of value, based on the Blue Book of Gun Values, this pistol in 95% condition is worth around $425.  In 80% condition $325, and in 60% condition, around $275.

Accessories and parts for Walther pistols come from a single sources...Earl's Repair Service in Massachusetts.  Check his website at:
http://www.waltherusa.net/

Hope all this helps...and enjoy your pistol.

Regards,

Doug