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Rare Nazi Experimental, Gustloff-Werke Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 11,000.00 USD
Rare Nazi Experimental, Gustloff-Werke Semi-Automatic Pistol
This is a beautiful example of a super rare Gustloff-Werke experimental, double-action semi-automatic pocket pistol as developed in 1939. Development of the pistol was promoted by Fritz Sauckel, Gauleiter of Thuringia and founder of Gustloff-Werke. The pistol functions as a blow-back operated pistol with a steel slide similar in shape to the Walther PP models albeit with a completely internal hammer design (enclosed rear end of the slide) combined with a duraluminum frame similar to the Sauer Mod. 38 pistol. The pistol has sliding safety on the left side of the frame and frame-mounted magazine release. Documents that accompany the pistol indicated that in January 1940 a prototype was submitted to Adolf Hitler with the suggestion that it be adopted for use by the various police agencies, and that production could be accomplished at the old Weimar factory using slave labor from the nearby Buchenwald concentration camp. However, due to the outbreak of WWII and large numbers of both Walther PP and PPKs pistol already in use throughout the German military, no order ever materialized. Consequently, no production progressed beyond the experimental stage of development. It is estimated that fewer than 100 of these rare prototype pistols were ever manufactured, with this specific pistol being number "74" on the butt of the grip. There are shallow grip serrations on both sides of the slide. The top of the slide has a raised, serrated sight rib with a blade front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. The pistol has a flared grip strap and magazine floor plate. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with a stylized "G" above the two-line legend: "GUSTLOFF-WERKE/WAFFENWERK SCHUL". The bright finished barrel chamber is stamped: "Kal.7.65 mm". It is fitted with a set of molded brown plastic checkered grips with the left grip having a large circled letter "G" molded into the left grip. It is complete with one steel magazine that is numbered "95"on the base plate. The steel slide is still in the white never having been blued, and so is the duraluminum frame.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 7.65 mm
Finish: in the white
Grips: brown plastic checkered
Serial Number: 74
Condition: Excellent overall as noted with all the metal surfaces still in the white. The grips are also in excellent condition showing only very light handing marks with no cracks or damage. Certainly a center piece for any advanced German military handgun collection.