Questions on a Beretta 418?

Masterbuck54 · Jul 29, 2023

Couple questions on a recent purchase.

Based on goggle search I’m assuming this is a Beretta model 418 also called a Panther?

Mfg 1954 based on the stamp # 1954 on left side.

What would be the proper grips for this gun?

Came with one mag & holster that I omitted in the photos

Numrich has a black set with “Panther” on one side…not sure if that’s what I should get or not?

Also didn’t see many in the nickle finish (assuming this hasn’t been refinished).

What is the market value on one in this condition?

Need to get some ammo and see how it shoots.

Originally the choice of the earlier James Bond before going to the Walther in the .32acp.

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

Masterbuck54

Delta Expatriate · Jul 29, 2023

I cannot answer your questions, but my understanding is that James Bond used a Walther PPK in .32 acp (7.65 Browning) rather than a .380. I noted this because the first centerfire handgun I ever shot was WWII PPK in .32 acp. I read all the James Bond novels back in the 60s. Not trying to hijack the thread, but your post brought back some memories.

Masterbuck54 · Jul 29, 2023

You are correct

Yes it was the .32acp.

Corrected in original post.

Thanks & have a great weekend.

Masterbuck54

desi2358 · Jul 29, 2023

Nice looking pistol. These are usually seen in a blue finish but I have seen a couple plated ones before. The proof marks look sharp and clear in your pics so this may well be a factory finish. As to the grips the "Panther" marked ones should fit and would be appropriate for a gun sold in the US. I think the "Panther" name was largely for the US market. They are also found with the same style grip with just a PB logo and one with Beretta across the top of the grip.

As far as value, some of the gun price books show prices in the $450 to $550 range for nice examples. A quick look at asking prices online shows some people asking even higher amounts. I've only seen a few at the gunshows over the last couple years, asking prices for ones I can remember were closer to the book values.

Oh, a bit of trivia.......... In the books Bond went to the Walther in 32 caliber not 380. Hits "like a brick through a plate glass window" if I remember the line correctly............ Fleming was taken to task on Bond using the little Beretta by a British gun writer and decided it was time for an upgrade!

Edit to add: I type too slowly!

2152hq · Jul 29, 2023

In 1954 , those Model 418 Beretta pistols were called the 'Bantam' when imported into the USA.
Later on ('58/'59 ?) the importers changed the name to 'Panther'.
But they were still the same Model 418 pistol

Nickel plate was a finish that was available but retail ads sometimes state that it is Chrome.
The Nickle (Chrome?) plated pistols came with imitation Pearl grips.
But I've seen the blued guns with them as well. The other grips usually seen are the Hard Rubber with either PB logo on them or the import grips with the Bantam or Panther name on the panel.

Look a the proof marks and if they look sharp and like they were stamped THRU the nickel plating, then it's more than likely a factory plating finish. the plating itself will be very slightly disturbed, broken where the stamps were made.

If the marks look slightly rounded and smooth (from polishing) and the plating is nice and even over them with no broken edges, then it's probably an aftermarket plating job.

alwslate · Jul 29, 2023

I have a blue one dated 1958 with the Panther marked grip. My father had one with the Panther grip that I think he bought in 1955, but can't say for sure these days. I have never seen one dated any higher than 1958. It seems to me that the Chrome or Nickel guns had imitation Pearl grips as said above.

Masterbuck54 · Jul 30, 2023

Thanks for info

Thanks for all the information.

I’m going with original nickle finish.

I have found a few sets of grips on eBay but will keep the ones that came on it for now.

Took a few photos with the Brauer Bros. Mfg. holster stamped H7.

Masterbuck54

Questions on a Beretta 418?

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