this reads like Gibson serial numbers but ..."Model PP and PPK pistols are found with a variety of markings. Some of these are merely factory serial numbers and proof marks indicating that the gun has functioned safely when fired with high pressure cartridges.

In addition to the serial number and proof marks, Model PP and PPK will often be found with Nazi party abbreviations and insignia. Still others will be found with Army acceptance marks in the form of an eagle, Swastika, and Waffenamt numbers. The Waffenamt mark indicates that the gun has been accepted by the government inspector at the plant. The German GI usually referred to this ever present mark as the "Pleitegeir" which means the "Bankrupt Vulture."

Crown over N is a German pre-war proof mark used before April 1, 1940. "N" indicates that the gun has been proofed with "nitro" or smokeless powder. Foun on early PP and PPK's.
In April of 1940 the Germans replaced the crown over N proof mark wiht the eagle over "N". PP and PPK's carried this proof mark after April 1, 1940.
Post-war PP and PPK's carry the new eagle over N, indicating that the gun was proofed for nitro or smokeless powder.
Post-war PP and PPK's manufactured at Ulm by Walther for commercial sale carry the antler proof mark of the Ulm proof house. The year of the proof test is also indicated i.e. 68 means 1968. There are other proof houses, but these have different symbols such as a bear for Berlin, a horse for Hanover, an oak leaf for Kiel, and a shield for Munchen.


The police acceptance mark is similar to the Army mark but the swastika was replaced by a cross and sub-letter C, F, L, or K.

Eagle over WaA359 is the most common Waffenamt pistol stamp. It is found on all Walther PP's and PPK's accepted by the military. Another version of the "Pleitegeirer" shows the eagle over 359.
The RZM insignia on the left is found engraved on the slides of early PPK's. It is found on the left hand side of the slide between the Mod PPK and the slide serrations.
The NSKKJ (Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps) was the party branch entrusted with transport of party and military supplies. Their pistols were generally Model PP's wht NSKK insignia engraved on the left side of the slide but some PPK's have been noted with the NSKK insignia on the right side of the slide.
SA der NSDAP Gruppe Mitte Nazi SA sections of the NSDAP were issued Model PP pistols in the prewar era. These pistols were generally engraved on the front of teh grip strap as shown. The SA was divided into 28 areas so the Gruppe (group) name will vary.
RFV 13311W
PDM 1337
RRZ
RJ
DRP

From the web..

Well thank you David, that certainly clears things upSmileWavy

I'll confess to a fondness for kraut firearms (given that my family were Eichman's a 100 years ago). But even while allowing for the German need for order, there is some vagueness in trying to determine where a particular 'spoon' (as they say) fits into the scheme of things.
Sorry for clogging up the OP's thread.
Jim

A German PPK is a rare and desirable find. Pre-war, or not. Thanks for posting it.

No worries about clogging it up. My situation has been resolved as it can be for now, and now we get to admire each other's classic firearms and get a history lesson. I shouldn't be surprised that there is an interest in the Walther PP type pistols, but I didn't anticipate the number of show n tell or David's breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject.

this place is full of surprises.

I have a Manurhin, I'll post a pic as soon as I can find one...

My Manurhin
 

Gun cleaning day, my father's Sig P230 and my Manurhin PP...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1387597903.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1387598033.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1387598076.jpg

Shuie is the Walther fountain knowledge here...

:o Im not really an expert. I've just owned a few old ones.

Decoding the Walther serial numbers and proof marks is a lot worse than trying to decode '60s Gibson serial number, IMO :) I can take one look at a '60s Gibson and tell when it was made. I can look at an old Walther for about an hour before giving up and calling Earl's to ask them when it was made.

I think the people at Gibson were high..

I would like to know more about my Manurhin, especially why the nameplate on the slide was mechanically removed. Something about a dispute between Walther and Manurhin I was told...

The Walther name was also mechanically removed from the plastic grips... weird!

if you read history furthur re: allies takeover of the factory , you will note a bajillion of these were wwii takehomes. literally built on the spot by gi's that liberated factory. no rhyme nor reason no #'s correct blah blah.

picture a hodge podge of parts and gi's building them.

i learned my lessons btwn walther PPK/S stainless and my HK 4's...................


screw the hollowpoints. full metal jackets and clean and oil.