P88 with gray frame

[searcher451]

It's handsome enough in its own way, but MGMike's question is an excellent one: Was the original owner simply trying for an "updated" look, perhaps? Or was he trying to deal with some underlying problem that required more drastic measures? It's hard to say, and we'll likely never know, but it is interesting to get a look at a P88 in this condition -- first one I've ever seen.

Thanks for posting the photo, Oeschler.

[oeschler]

Pistol appears to be almost new in matching numbered box (with manual, target, cleaning rod, and spare magazine) and functions perfectly with no underlying problems. Why would an individual spend probably about $300 just to change the appearance? If Walther did it, maybe another will show up some day.

[searcher451]

Originally Posted by oeschler

Pistol appears to be almost new in matching numbered box (with manual, target, cleaning rod, and spare magazine) and functions perfectly with no underlying problems. Why would an individual spend probably about $300 just to change the appearance? If Walther did it, maybe another will show up some day.

Which only deepens the mystery to me, Oeschler; it's a mystery that we may never know the full answer to -- unless, perhaps, you could track down the original owner. I would hazard a guess and say that if Walther did it, it's probably one-of-a-kind, and someone no doubt paid a goodly amount to have it factory-customized. Then again, I'm not evern sure that Walther ever had the equipment on hand to produce that finish.

It's still a handsome piece in its own way, and certainly a conversation piece. It just gets you to wondering, is all ...

[photohause]

Note very attractive on the P88 at all in my opinion, bu I really like it on my Sig.

Photo

[KMKP7KING]

I like the look of the two tone guns always have and in this particular configuration. This being said I have to say it has been redone. European guns are mostly Black or Blue if you will. The only ones that you see are dolled up are the ones they send to this side of the world. Even as attractive as it looks, it is highly doubtful that there only has been one seen and this being the one. We are forgetting one important factor and I have not read one listing here that even mentions it. Has everyone lost their skill of investigation? WHAT DOES IT SAY ON THE ORIGINAL BOX? If in fact was made this way it should state so. Like every other import firearm from Europe. Does any one doubt this or are we all on the same page of music. I still like the look nice Gun.

[MGMike]

Well, Rise & Shine, Rip van Winkle!

Asking to see the original box is like asking to see Barack Obama's birth certificate.

Some people got mighty testy in this very old thread about the possible originality of this gun. Not me. I said everything I needed to say in post #5.

M

[KMKP7KING]

I'm not getting testy. There is no need for that. All I am saying is that usually the original box is marked with info on the pistol. I may have over read if the pistol came with the original box but did he state that earlier in this topic? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[MGMike]

I didn't say that you got testy. The owner in particular was unwilling to accept that the finish was not factory original.

As for the box, you are correct. Factory variations are generally noted on the box label, though sometimes just written in ink and easy to fake.

My comments were prompted by the fact that this thread was dead and buried over a year ago. What is the point of resurrecting it?

M

[photohause]

Maybe the finish is written on the receipt

[Andyd_is_PzGren]

Just for comparison:

and from the side, the slide has more of a shine than a satin look like Duracoat.