GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
WALTHER AP, FACTORY "SANITIZED" PISTOL WITH TWO MATCHING MAGAZINES. WALTHER AP 045 9MM MODERN; C&R Cal. 9mm. Standard configuration Walther AP with all factory markings and SNs carefully milled out, except for a small "45" marked inside the frame just ahead of the trigger. The pistol is an otherwise standard configuration mid production AP pistol with 5" bbl having drift adjustable front sight and "V" notched rear sight. Reinforcing ribs on each side of slide whose only marking is a small, matching "45" in location usually reserved for the assembly number. Bbl number has been neatly removed in the same manner and the locking block is a blank. Standard AP walnut checkered grips, each internally stamped "45" with left panel recessed for lanyard ring. The story accompanying the pistol is that the GI had captured it from a paratrooper. Why the orig markings and SNs were removed and what a paratrooper was doing with this sanitized AP pistol may never be known, but the work was done in the same manner of other factory sanitized guns. Now complete with two super high-quality replacement magazines that have been correctly matched with "045-89" and "045-90". PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Approximately 90-95% bright orig blue except as concerns the factory sanitized areas that have oxidized to a level consistent with WWII workmanship. Most of the fire blue from the safety has faded. Excellent grips with the right panel somewhat darker, with only a few light handling marks and no splits. Excellent replacement magazines whose artificial aging is consistent with age of pistol. Mirror bright bore. Excellent manual mechanics though trigger return spring is weak requiring a nudge for trigger to return to full forward position. A very unusual AP that will invariably be a source of future conjecture. 51568-17 lma (15,000-25,000)