[BrianB.]

This firearm was passed down from my father who captured it from a German Officer. I also have the holster and military release paperwork. I believe it to be a Model 4 but the ejection port is on the right side and I've not seen another like it. Also the striations on the slide are an unusual number of cuts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hoya74]

I think it is a Model 7:

Walther Model 7 & 8

Early Walther Pistols - Model 7

Technical Data:

sites.google.com

 

[sgabrie8544]

It’s a Modell 7 should be in .25 ACP and the barrel bushing is either missing or installed on the wrong end of the recoil spring. Thats why the spring is showing.

 

[Redcat94]

Nice Walther Model 7. According to Marschall, only approximately 45,000 were manufactured from 1915-19. Those grips have seen better days though.

Do you know the story behind how your father captured it? What unit was he in and where did this happen?

 

[BrianB.]

Thank you so much for the information!

My father passed many years ago and my sister only remembers parts of the story. Here is a photo of the military release he was supplied to have permission to bring it home. So cool and interesting. It also lists it as a .25 caliber but the serial number is correct.

 

[BrianB.]

It’s a Modell 7 should be in .25 ACP and the barrel bushing is either missing or installed on the wrong end of the recoil spring. Thats why the spring is showing.

I think it is a Model 7:

Walther Model 7 & 8

Early Walther Pistols - Model 7

Technical Data:

sites.google.com

That looks like it! Thank you so much, now I have something more to go on and research!

 

[sgabrie8544]

Disassemble it and see if you have the bushing, many many people reassemble it on the wrong end of the spring. If you have it, fix it.

 

[Redcat94]

It also lists it as a .25 caliber but the serial number is correct.

The caliber is also correct. All Walther Model 7 pistols were chambered in .25 ACP aka 6.35mm Browning. Keep that capture paper safe! It adds a lot of value.

 

[nicktheflick]

Bit late to the topic but yes such a great piece of history and well worth keeping as it is very collectable. Just to add this is a first variant manufacture with the full address on the RHS, the grips should be made from natural horn which may be why they are a bit degraded due to aging (it's more than 100 years old!). The Mod 7 was not in production for long as Walther was fulfilling its wartime contract for the Model 4 (WW1).

 

[sgabrie8544]

Yes, natural horn is subject to worm holes, I thought it looked like horn, but was not sure Walther used horn.

 

[nicktheflick]

Yes, natural horn is subject to worm holes, I thought it looked like horn, but was not sure Walther used horn.

It's possible Horn was used as it was a relatively cheap and plentiful material (and possibly a 'quality' feel) as Bakelite was still a relatively new (American in origin and possibly expensive) material. I do however have some Mod 1 grips that are Bakelite - so, as in most things, there's no easy answer and maybe the Horn grips were an option?

 

[WarBaby]

Yes a Model 7, they look very similar however the ejection port on the model 4 is on the left side of the action. Strange to get used to!

 

[WarBaby]

Yes, natural horn is subject to worm holes, I thought it looked like horn, but was not sure Walther used horn.

They did indeed use horn, especially on the earlier models.

 

[nicktheflick]

Yes a Model 7, they look very similar however the ejection port on the model 4 is on the left side of the action. Strange to get used to!

It's great when at the range the guy on your LHS thinks they are safe from hot brass!

 

[wghth3]

It's possible Horn was used as it was a relatively cheap and plentiful material (and possibly a 'quality' feel) as Bakelite was still a relatively new (American in origin and possibly expensive) material. I do however have some Mod 1 grips that are Bakelite - so, as in most things, there's no easy answer and maybe the Horn grips were an option?

Any idea where I can get a bushing for a Walther model 2?

 

[sgabrie8544]

Walther Firearms and Accessories, Earl's Repair Service Inc. - Home Page

Walther Firearms and Accessories, Earl's Repair Service Inc.

www.carlwalther.com

Give Earl a call, not cheap, but he will hook you up

 

[sgabrie8544]

Make sure The bushing isn’t on the other end of the spring first

 

[nicktheflick]

Any idea where I can get a bushing for a Walther model 2?

As the Mod 5 is essentially a Mod 2 then this may widen your part / bushing search? Best to try before you buy - though I guess such parts would also be as rare as rocking horse shite!

 

[WarBaby]

As the Mod 5 is essentially a Mod 2 then this may widen your part / bushing search? Best to try before you buy - though I guess such parts would also be as rare as rocking horse shite!

Earl probably has it, but you're gonna pay. Even the somewhat common Model 4 parts are, well, expensive for just a 'cheap' pistol.