Lot 1348

Pre-WWII Walther PPK, with Graf Zeppelin Themed Inscription

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Pre-WWII Walther PPK, with Graf Zeppelin Themed Inscription

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic Pre-World War II Walther Model PPK Semi-Automatic Pistol Inscribed in Commemoration of a Flight of the Airship LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin Manufactured c. 1930-1931, this Walther PPK bears typical markings and features for the time, including "crown/N" proofs, 90 degree safety, matching partial serial number hand-scribed inside the slide, mixed brown colored wraparound grip and matching colored extension on the magazine. The markings have been highlighted with gold-colored fill, including an inscription on the right side of the slide that reads "Zur Erinnerung/an die Landungsfahrt/des Graf Zeppelin/nach Meiningen 11.10.31" (In Commemoration of the Graf Zeppelin's Landing Flight to Meiningen, October 11, 1931). Christened and launched in 1928, the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin was one of the most successful lighter-than-air craft in history, performing a number of commercial and experimental long-range flights, including a circumnavigation of the globe and a round trip passing within 600 miles of the Geographic North Pole. During the time of the inscription, the Graf Zeppelin was engaged in intercontinental flights between Germany and Brazil. A highly effective craft, the Graf Zeppelin was brought down by a combination of public relations and politics, as the notorious disaster of the Hindenburg destroyed public faith in hydrogen-filled airships and the United States (which at the time enjoyed an extremely dominant position in global helium production) unwilling to export helium to an increasing belligerent Germany; commercial operations were halted in 1937, and the craft was scrapped in 1940. The recipient of the pistol is unknown; it may have been a memento for a passenger or a crewman.

Manufacturer: Walther

Model: PPK

BBL: 3 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 32 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: synthetic

Serial Number764209

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection
  • Condition: Fine overall, retaining 70% original blue finish, pitting concentrated around the muzzle and chamber, bright edge wear, and handling marks. The grips is also fine, with some warping at the top edge and light scuffs. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000