Walther PPK RZM

[martin08]

Since these are seldom seen, I thought I'd share.

It won't win any condition contests with pitting, finish loss and cracks in the grips. But the Walther PPK is an authentic Nazi Party Official sidearm (NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, translated: National Socialist German Workers' Party) which is not commonly encountered.

Correct serial number range of 820,000 to 845,000 and Crown/N markings for the 1934-5 RZM production run, with the proper serial etching inside the slide, and ninety degree safety. The holster once sported a shoulder harness, but the straps are long lost. The holster's original purpose is unknown. Even though it fits the PPK exactly, I can find no other examples at this time.

Acquired directly from the U.S Army Veteran's son, who's potential heirs had no interest in the pistol.

Some pics, and thanks for looking.





























Here is a link to the development and purpose of the RZM, or Reichs Zeug Meisterei.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichszeugmeisterei

Basically, it was a party ministry which defined uniformity standards and quality control details. As it applies to the pistol, Walther assigned a specific production block of serial numbers (roughly) 820000 - 845000 when the standard was established in 1934, and built the guns into 1935. A few specimens have also been observed and verified above the serial range.

A more commonly seen representation of the RZM Logo is found on the SA (Brown Shirts) Dagger.

A relative few Walther PP examples from 1941 and 1942 are also noted with the RZM logo on the slide.

The 1935 guns were not military contract, and were offered for sale to Nazi party officials. Some will be noted with a rare grip variation where the Walther banner is replaced with the Eagle/Swastika, and are referred to as Party Leader.

[Junk Yard Dog]

It looks like it's seen some action, very nice find

[martin08]

It looks like it's seen some action, very nice find

Yes, it causes me to cringe a little bit to observe the localized and deeply etched pitting on the left slide. Since the rest of the gun exhibits only poor storage evidence, and no overall corrosion coverage, it does cause one to wonder how the 'splotch' was created.

[bunkysdad]

Yes it does. It was a rare find for you wasn't it? Very nice Martin

[BubbaDX]

You find some of he neatest guns. Very cool little Walther.

[martin08]

It was a rare find for you wasn't it?

Yes. I do seek out many items, but sometimes the unexpected ones find me. And to think, this one has resided withing a 15 mile radius for my entire life. Sad, too, that none of the heirs had any interest. But I am only too proud to keep the relic for Sgt. LaBrecque, and in his honor of service to our country.

[Junk Yard Dog]

I see that all to often, and sometimes the relics end up with me, worse is to hear they ended up in the trash. Looks like a nice spot of blood pilling on there, could be it was taken off a "good" Nazi after it moldered next to the corpse for a couple of weeks or so.

[martin08]

I see that all to often, and sometimes the relics end up with me, worse is to hear they ended up in the trash. Looks like a nice spot of blood pilling on there, could be it was taken off a "good" Nazi after it moldered next to the corpse for a couple of weeks or so.

I'm afraid that the physical evidence points squarely in that direction. Countless party officials chose the quick verdict of what surely was to come in war crime trials.

[catcracker]

Kind of dark talk during the holidays. But pretty cool pistol none the less.

[walnut red]

Great find and classic example of blood pitting vs neglect pitting.

[Jolly Green Chopper]

Very nice PPK RZM I wonder if this model was also the same issued to submarine boat captains. I recently saw a TV program about a rare Nazi sub captain's pistol being in a U.S. museum. This might explain the pitting (salt water exposure) Thanks for showing us the pics. JGC