GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
FANTASTIC WALTHER AP MILITARY TEST PISTOL, ALLOY FRAME, TWO MAGAZINES. WALTHER AP-9 049 9MMP MODERN; C&R Cal. 9mmp. Walther made a series of about 50 Armee Pistoles, all double action with an internal hammer, for testing prior to the military's acceptance of the P38. Most had a 5" bbl and an unslotted frame that was made of steel. A small number of the very last pistols had an alloy frame. Regardless of variation, Walther AP pistols are considered one of the Holy Grails of Walther and military pistol collectors. This late production gun has a drift adjustable front and a "U" notched rear sight. The sides of the slide were made with ridged reinforcement. The left side is marked "Waffenfabrik Walther Zella-Mehlis (Thur)" surmounting the Walther banner and the model denomination "Armee-Pistole Cal. 9mm". The slide mounted safety lever, toward the rear of the slide, has the fire position denoted by a recessed red dot. The right side of the slide is simply marked "Walthers Patent". The right side of the alloy frame, that shows a little damage on right side just forward of takedown lever axle, is marked with the serial number 049 in large digits that are repeated on the slide, the bbl, and the locking block. All of these parts, except the locking block, are also stamped with a much smaller inspection number "28". The pistol has standard wooden AP grips, the left with a circular recess for a lanyard ring. They are each stamped "28" with the number repeated in pencil. Magazine number 049-0 (or 049-partial"9") has original finish but should have been numbered 049-98. The second magazine 049-97 is an exceptionally well-made replacement. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Approximately 97%-98% bright original blue with sharp edge wear around the muzzle and forward slide. Frame has about 75-80% of anodizing with front strap thinned to a greenish hue. Small defects of right side of forward frame as previously noted. Mirror bright bore. Perfect manual mechanics. One of the toughest of the APs to encounter in high condition. 51568-27 lma (27,500-35,000)