GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
*PHENOMENAL WALTHER MP-PP BLOWBACK PROTOTYPE PISTOL, SHOULDER STOCK LUG. WALTHER MP/PP 6B 9 MODERN; C&R; IMPORT Cal. 9mm Steyr (9 x 23 mm). Extraordinary Walther MP-PP single action/double action blowback pistol with earliest Walther (PP) pattern split firing pin, early 90 degree safety and single column magazine. Walther only made a handful of these large salt blued guns, this one with salt blued small parts, excepting fire blued trigger, having a 5″ bbl, appropriately extended slide, and full size frame. Left slide marked with the 2-line Walther address followed by the Walther banner. Unlike most MP-PP pistols, there is no caliber notation nor is there any reference to the model M.P. Crown/N proofing in a stacked pattern on right side of the bbl hood, right side of the slide and right side of the frame. Originally unnumbered, the gun is marked "6B" on the right frame for purpose of importation. The backstrap on this example has an integral Luger pattern stock lug (dimensioned to accept and lock with a Luger stock attaching iron). Checkered walnut grips with bordered securing screws. Orig unmarked magazine .4mm wider than the 9mm Para MP magazine to accommodate the 9 mm Steyr cartridge. According to previous owner, Dr. Sturgess, the pistol was of Chilean origins, possibly for trials to replace the Chilean Steyr Hahn M1912 pistols. PROVENANCE: Ex Henk Visser Collection; Illustrated TBLAP; Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess; The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren H. Buxton. CONDITION: Spectacular 98% bright orig blue with mild thinning of front & backstrap. On each side of slide, just ahead of slide serrations, is a small patch of discoloration reflective of local heat treatment of the guide lugs at the corresponding position inside the slide performed at the Walther factory before the slide was blued. Much of the fire blue on trigger has faded; remaining small parts in same condition as rest of pistol. Grips retain virtually all orig varnish with only minor handling marks. Comparable condition magazine. Mirror bore. Mechanically fine. An absolutely fantastic Walther prototype that would enhance the most advanced collection. 51568-16 LMA (45,000-65,000)