Serial Numbers on Transitional American Walther PPK's
I own a Walther .380 stainless PPK/S serial number 3414AAA pictured in these attached photo’s. From the production history and markings the pistol appears produced under the first year of S&W licensing but before S&W put its own serial numbers on the Walther licensed PPK’s made in Houlton, Maine likely in 2000 or 2001. The serialization neither matches Interarms nor S&W numbering systems. In addition the pistol has no punch mark indicating S&W recall repairs; the magazine has an “-A-“ stamped on the spine in addition to the standard Walther markings, and the “VA” proofing mark of Interarms appears on the barrel in the ejection port. In the interim period between the end of the Interarms license (1999) and the beginning of S&W manufacturing (2001) it appears pistols were made in Gadsden, Alabama by Black Creek or Mid-South Companies under the S&W license but using various component parts. Records show that 6,600 pistols were manufactured in .380 calibre at Black Creek in 2000. The suffix “AAA” could represent: first 10,000 series, stainless, Alabama, or simply be filler. These transitional American PPK’s need to be recognized and valued much like P-38 variations, as distinct from the more common serially-numbered German made, Interarms licensed, or S&W manufactured and licensed variations. Any further information or data on these pistols appreciated.
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