[Lloyd in Vegas]

Here are a couple of pictures of two (2) Walther Model 8 pistols I have in my collection. I really like these very small, slim and elegant little pistols. I think I may have posted pictures of these before but what the heck here is another dose. The first one or top one is a variation one and a fairly early one at that. The variation one is characterized by the non exposed extractor and the take down/disassembly button or lever on the right trigger guard. Both of these pistols are Crown N C/N proofed so no question they are both pre 1940. These petite pistols were a favorite of German Military officers and could be secured through private company channels. The top model 8 came with a shoulder holster that is RZM marked. The bottom one is a very late variation 2 almost what you would call a transition model 8. It has the early take down/disassembly trigger guard release button or lever (as opposed to the variation three with no button/lever and trigger guard just under spring tension), the variation 2 exposed extractor and the late or variation 3 Walther banner grips. These very finely made pistols are the direct fore bearer of the famous Walther PP & PPK line of pistols that were hot under development. You can see in the model 8 design/look hints of what was to shortly be in the new Walther pistol line. I am looking to ad a WWII Nazi era E/N proofed pistol but have not found one yet. Anybody have a E/N Walther model 8 or seen one lately? These would be in the 90000A--100000A and are the only Model 8 pistol to have either an alpha prefix or suffix as part of the serial number. Thanks, Lloyd in Vegas
Download Attachment: Walther Model 8 Left Side 3.jpg
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Download Attachment: Walther Model 8 Right Side 3.jpg
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[Dgiz]

Hey Lloyd, Those are a couple of nice ones! Time for an E/N!
Dean

 

[Lloyd in Vegas]

Hey Dean,

Here is another one I scored yesterday at the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show. Wasn't much of a show except someone had a large collection of small .25 caliber pocket pistols including four Walther Model 8s all in excellent condition for sale. This one I got is a very late variation three (3). It is in superb condition, even better than the two pictured above. It has the exposed extractor (typical variation 2 and 3) but the button/lever for takedown on the right trigger guard is gone (variation three simplification). It also has the Walther banner grips and the Walther banner on the left slide is smaller than on the earlier variations. This one is C/N marked but it is not very far from the conversion to the E/N proof. I would guess this model 8 was made very late thirties---maybe late 38 or early 39. The fit/finish and polishing are still of the highest quality at this point. This Model 8 is less than 10,000 before the conversion to E/N and after the production of almost 355,000 Model 8s beginning around 1921. Your are right Dean, I need an Eagle N Model 8 and then I would have pretty much covered the full evolution of this Walther model. Whittington in his book estimates Model 8 E/N production to be around 5,000 (this starting around 1940) and then the production run was over and the PP and PPK pistols were king. Thanks Lloyd in Vegas
Download Attachment: Walther Model 8 Right Side 2.jpg
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Download Attachment: Walther Model 8 Left Side 2.jpg
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