Walther PPK History

Magazines were boxed, single lined in three types. One is the standard magazine which fits flush into the bottom of the grip and contains the standard number of rounds, 7, in 7.65 caliber. Another is the standard magazine with a triangular based plastic finger extension, usually in brown, but in both brown and black near the end of World War II. A third magazine has an extension wraparound plastic box at the base of the magazine which enlarges the grips and on some magazines enables it to hold upward to two extra rounds; and this magazine base was usually brown in color. Some of the extensions were various colors during the early production, probably for identification purposes. Red was not unusual and there were luminous ones for use at night.

Grips were mostly one piece wraparound molded plastic in brown or black. There were also shades of gray, green and white. Presentation and special model plastic pistols had checkered walnut and various shades of checkered plastic. The Walther Banner was located at the top of each side of the grip on most all models. Certain special grips that were used during the Nazi regime were Party Leader or Political Leader grips which featured the high insignia of the Nazi Party (Hoheitsabzeichen) eagle or swastika, and were molded into the Model PPK's grips in the location usually occupied by the Walther Banner. They were found in either brown or black.

Finish was high polish blue during the thirties and early stages of World War II, trending toward a milled, rougher finish nearer the end of the War. Models were also finished in nickel, chrome and ultra chrome (verchromt), a type of silver parkerized finished. Engraved models were finished in blue, silver and gold.

Serial numbers were located on the right side of the frame to the rear of the trigger running parallel with the forward edge of the grip. At times a second serial number will be found on the right side of the slide forward of the ejection port. On many early production models, serial numbers were panagraphed into the right side of the slide running vertically up and down in the front of the slide grip. Serial numbers were panagraphed into the plastic of the finger extensions of the magazines. Also, serial numbers were placed on some magazines, located on their base, sides and back of the magazine. Many magazines were issued in pairs for each pistol with the magazines serial numbered to the pistol, and also marked #1 and #2 to the individual pistol.

Walther Factory Markings are found on the left side of the slide on most Model PPK's. They are as follows: the Walther Banner trademark, then the inscription "Walther Waffenfabrik, Walther Zella-Mehlis (Thus.)". Following the Walther Banner and factory inscription is "Walther Patent Cal.", "5.25mm, 6.35mm, 7.65mm or 9mm", depending on the caliber of the pistol. This is then followed by "Mod PPK". These markings are found on the left side of the slide on all models.

Magazines are marked on their left side with the Walther Banner. Others have the Walther Banner plus PPK 7.65mm, or Walther Banner plus Cal. 9mm. All of these magazines will have either a high polish finish or a parkerized type finish. A few magazines will be marked on the right side with a "W". These magazines have a parkerized finished and will also have the Walther Banner and PPK 7.65mm in the usual location on the left side of the magazine. These "W" marks are found ont he late World War II magazines.

Proofing was usually of two types. The first was commerical test proofs of Germany which were put into effect in April 1893. These were Crown over N. (Nitro) and are found on the right side of the right side of the slide below the ejection port, usually found to the rear of the ejection port on .22 caliber pistols, right side of the frame above the trigger. On the face of the chamber and on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle. The other major test proof was the Nazi commercial test proof which was put into effect in April 1940. this was a Nazi eagle over N. (Nitro). The Nazi commercial test proofs will be found in most instances in the same position as the Crown N proofs.

Other proofs were the various acceptance stamps for military and police pistols. The military acceptance stamps are located on the left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger and the left of the slide just in front of the slide grip. These military acceptance stamps were placed on the pistol along with the Nazi commercial test proofs. The police acceptance stamps are located on the left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger. On some models the stamp was placed on the right side of the trigger guard just forward of the trigger.

There were many more markings found on both the Model PP and PPK. These markings were placed on the pistols for many different reasons and most of them were placed on the pistols during the Nazi era. The markings were placed on the pistols at the factory as ordered by the National Administration Office; for certain NSDAP offices, engraved inscriptions for presentation and award pistols and markings as to make and retailer for pistols that were to be sold abroad.

Takedown of the Model PPK is accomplished in that the lower rear end of the trigger guard is hinged to the frame in front of the grip straps; which, when the front end of the trigger guard is pulled downward out of a cut in the forward port of the frame it removes the block to the slide crossbar and compresses a spring in the receiver frame. While the trigger guard is held downward the slide may be removed by pulling the slide completely backward and upward. The slide will become free from its guide runner inside the frame which will allow it to be moved forward over the muzzle of the barrel. The recoil spring may then be removed from the barrel.