In 1984, Walther started making entire PPK pistols in 7.65mm in West Germany, and by 1986 they were making the PP, PPK & PPK/S in both 7.65 & 9mmK. Given the induction hardening and differences in polish and the effects each have on the bluing, the Walther slides don't exactly match the finish on the Manuhrin frames, and it's a pretty good indicator even if you have not yet dated the weapon based on a serial number. Some folks argue that the German Walthers are superior due to the final assembly and inspection in Germany, but on the other hand no one ever says anything bad about the quality of the Manuhrin pistols. West German law allowed them to be sold as German made pistols as they were roll marked, assembled and proofed in Germany. These Walther roll marked and finished slides were then assembled on the Manurhin produced and finished frames and then sold as German Walthers.
Once Walther received these pistols, they roll marked the slides, hardened the slides through an induction process, and then blued them. However the slides on thee were left soft, unroll marked and in the white.
#Interarms walther pp serial numbers series
However when Germany was again able to start making small arms, Manurhin continued making the PP series pistols, but they also started sending complete pistols to Walther in Ulm Germany. This French company continued to manufacture the PP series until 1989, using steel forgings shipped from Walther in Germany, but milled, polished, roll marked, finished, inspected and proofed by Manuhrin in France.
As a result, in 1952, Walther licensed production of the PP series (PP and PPK) pistols to a French company, Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin, also known as Manurhin. Unfortunately for Walther, after WWII, the Allied powers forbade any manufacture of weapons in Germany until the restrictions were finally lifted on May 5, 1955. However when the Soviets invaded Germany toward the ned of WWII, Walther moved the tooling west and established a new factory in Ulm Germany. Walther's original factory was located in Zella-Mehlis. The iconic Walther PPK, PPK/s, is now U.S.Well there is some irony there, as you are right not to trust the stamp, and you've more or less hit the nail on the head.And now for a ppk you dont see too much anymore.Walther PPK and PPK/S Product Recall Notice.