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Imperial Arms · 05-09-2007, 01:02 AM

Hello Kelly,

I shall try to answer your question as to what factor(s) may 'kick' the value of Walther Olympia pistols towards an upward direction. Do not misunderstand me when I explain this point, but in the US, most collectors are attracted by the visual characteristics/features of a pistol and not necessarily other factors such as the history and culture of the country where they were made. For example, what causes a PPK Political Leader pistol to fetch ten times the price as compared to a commercial PPK pistol? - simple answer - the NSDAP Swastika Eagle on the grips! How many collectors stretch their knowledge to include knowledge regarding the operations and regulations of the NSDAP?

The Olympia pistol does not contain a symbol or feature which will cause the same reaction/impulse with collectors, however, there could be other indirect forces which will drive up the price of these elegant pistols. In my prediction, when Warren Buxton publishes his next book, it will not only depict the different models/variations of the Olympia pistols, but it will also explain how and where they were used in national and international sporting events (as well as with hunters and forest wardens who used the Jaeger model) which made these pistols famous. Unfortunately, this fame was never really exposed in our generation, and when these cultural activities and events are highlighted in Buxton's book, it will probably boost dramatically the value of these pistols. When collecting pre-war German firearms, it is also important to have a perception and understanding of the 'Old Germany' during the second and third reich, and the social and national 'environments' in where these pistols used. Believe it or not, I am a German national, and I still have plenty to learn about the history of my country! The Allies beat the Germans during the war, but they did not beat the spirt of Germany (nor their guns)!

Not only am I fascinated by the looks of the Olympia pistol, but I am also interested by the 'environment' and sporting events in where it was used. It was an impressive view to see the classy meetings of sport shooters and hunters in their stylish jackets and hats with plums. Do we see this today? Sadly, no - it has changed to jeans, T-shirts and caps - This tradition has nearly disappeared and it can only be experienced by the rich. Maybe 'when the clock is turned back' with the release of a comprehensive book providing more information, it will be a driving force in the demand and value of these pistols. Without research and knowledge, nothing is gained.

I hope my general explain answers some of your questions.

Cheers,
Albert

NB: Your M1925 Olympia was mainly a target shooting pistol, and it was used in the 1932 Olympic Games. The key is a weight key to loosen and tighten the bolts of the barrel weight and 'butterfly' weight.

05-09-2007, 01:02 AM	#11
Imperial Arms Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Malta, EU Posts: 579 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Hello Kelly, I shall try to answer your question as to what factor(s) may 'kick' the value of Walther Olympia pistols towards an upward direction. Do not misunderstand me when I explain this point, but in the US, most collectors are attracted by the visual characteristics/features of a pistol and not necessarily other factors such as the history and culture of the country where they were made. For example, what causes a PPK Political Leader pistol to fetch ten times the price as compared to a commercial PPK pistol? - simple answer - the NSDAP Swastika Eagle on the grips! How many collectors stretch their knowledge to include knowledge regarding the operations and regulations of the NSDAP? The Olympia pistol does not contain a symbol or feature which will cause the same reaction/impulse with collectors, however, there could be other indirect forces which will drive up the price of these elegant pistols. In my prediction, when Warren Buxton publishes his next book, it will not only depict the different models/variations of the Olympia pistols, but it will also explain how and where they were used in national and international sporting events (as well as with hunters and forest wardens who used the Jaeger model) which made these pistols famous. Unfortunately, this fame was never really exposed in our generation, and when these cultural activities and events are highlighted in Buxton's book, it will probably boost dramatically the value of these pistols. When collecting pre-war German firearms, it is also important to have a perception and understanding of the 'Old Germany' during the second and third reich, and the social and national 'environments' in where these pistols used. Believe it or not, I am a German national, and I still have plenty to learn about the history of my country! The Allies beat the Germans during the war, but they did not beat the spirt of Germany (nor their guns)! Not only am I fascinated by the looks of the Olympia pistol, but I am also interested by the 'environment' and sporting events in where it was used. It was an impressive view to see the classy meetings of sport shooters and hunters in their stylish jackets and hats with plums. Do we see this today? Sadly, no - it has changed to jeans, T-shirts and caps - This tradition has nearly disappeared and it can only be experienced by the rich. Maybe 'when the clock is turned back' with the release of a comprehensive book providing more information, it will be a driving force in the demand and value of these pistols. Without research and knowledge, nothing is gained. I hope my general explain answers some of your questions. Cheers, Albert NB: Your M1925 Olympia was mainly a target shooting pistol, and it was used in the 1932 Olympic Games. The key is a weight key to loosen and tighten the bolts of the barrel weight and 'butterfly' weight.