[Kyrie]

Hi Frank,


I think we have a little confusion beginning :-(


Mike asked about WWII Walther pistols, the commercial sale of same, and what use the Third Reich military or police would have for a .22 pistol.


It was my reply that contained the photo of the post-war Walther PP in .22 Long Rifle. This pistol does indeed have the BWB marking of the German Materials Testing Agency of the German Ministry of Defense, and is one of the pistols acquired by England for issuance as the "L66A1". Like most L66A1's, it lacks any British marking (only repaired pistols would have the "crossed flags" British repair/inspection marking). This pistol is identifiable as being one of the British contract pieces by the "suncorite" finish, and the letter "P" stamped on the right, rear, of the slide indicating the pistol has the improved firing pin required by the British.


Entirely FWIW, Dieter Marschall's wonderful "Walther Pistols Models 1 Through P99" has been translated into English and is now available. The British contract Walther Model PP pistols in .22 LR is one of the many variations he covers.


I actually have something of a story to go along with this pistol. When I bought it I was told its story of German inspection and acceptance, but British purchase and issuance. The story seemed just a bit far fetched to me and I treated it with a grain of salt. A few years latter I was out shooting with a fellow who had served in the British army in Ulster, and shared with him the story I'd been given when I bought the pistol. To my surprise he confirmed the fact that Walther Model PP pistols had been issued, and remarked he'd been issued one himself. I handed him the pistol and he identified it as being a L66A1, and suddenly let loose an oath. He recognized the serial number - the pistol was the one he had been issued.


That was a wild experience. If nothing else it demonstrates the most unlikely things can and do sometimes happen, and stories that seem outlandish may well be true.


Best regards,


Kyrie