WALTHER PP

[DCC]

Hello
Here in the UK I just seen a Walther PP in 32ACP with "RO" stamped on it. Tried googling but no luck...Anyone know what that means?
as a BTW - I already own a PP in 32ACP with "RFV" stamped on it...
Question - does anyone here know what that means?
ATB DCC

 

[Stevens]

Romania?
Steve W

 

[Absalom]

RFV = Reichsfinanzverwaltung.

Those were issued to uniformed officers of the pre-1945 German customs service. They do have collector value, but don’t command the prices of other marked pistols of the period because the RFV was not some super-duper evil Nazi organization, but a boring bureaucracy.

As for the RO, you’d first need to determine when the PP was made and whether it is a pre- or post-1945 marking. It doesn’t ring a bell right now. Show a picture and the full serial with any letter suffix, and we might get closer.

 

[italiansport]

Sorry to disagree but RFV is the marking for the Reich Finance Ministery:

"The front strap is marked "R.F.V 18243 W", a property marking for the Reichsfinanzadverwaltung (Reichs Finance Administration), which was responsible for the banks and the finances of Nazi Germany. Low profile fixed sights, 60 degree safety switch, black checkered grips with Walther banners at the top and matching grip ".
These generally have the member's number included and it is hoped still yet that a membership listing will surface.
Jim

 

[Absalom]

Sorry to disagree but RFV is the marking for the Reich Finance Ministery:

"The front strap is marked "R.F.V 18243 W", a property marking for the Reichsfinanzadverwaltung (Reichs Finance Administration), which was responsible for the banks and the finances of Nazi Germany. Low profile fixed sights, 60 degree safety switch, black checkered grips with Walther banners at the top and matching grip ".
These generally have the member's number included and it is hoped still yet that a membership listing will surface.
Jim

You are not disagreeing, you are saying exactly the same thing I said, except you’re quoting someone who doesn’t really know German because he added two random letters to the word Reichsfinanzverwaltung.

And the RFV had no “members”, it was simply staffed by ordinary civil servants. From 1919 to 1945 it was the equivalent of our Treasury Department and IRS.

The Reichsfinanzministerium (Reich Finance Ministry) was only one, albeit the topmost, part of the RFV. Another was the Zollgrenzschutz, customs and border protection, whose uniformed officers were issued these PPs.

 

[DCC]

Many Thanks for the info on PP RFV markings.
My PP pistol has no Members numbers or suffix letter - just RFV. I do not believe it had much usage during WW2 and, 75 years on, still shoots really well.
I'd like to acquire the PP with "RO" markings but need to find out what "RO" actually means in German before I buy?

By chance I found this list on wiki:- List of Nazi Party organizations - Wikipedia
But nothing close to "RO"...

I also own a Colt 1903 in 32ACP with no history.
Have also seen a very interesting Mauser HSC in 32ACP with verified use on prisoner escort duty by a British Army RSM (E8) during the Nuremberg Trials. The wooden grip/stock is stamped with his name which is same as mine - we are not related - but I would like to own it.

Best Rgds
DCC

 

[Andyd]

You are not disagreeing, you are saying exactly the same thing I said, except you’re quoting someone who doesn’t really know German because he added two random letters to the word Reichsfinanzverwaltung.

And the RFV had no “members”, it was simply staffed by ordinary civil servants. From 1919 to 1945 it was the equivalent of our Treasury Department and IRS.

The Reichsfinanzministerium (Reich Finance Ministry) was only one, albeit the topmost, part of the RFV. Another was the Zollgrenzschutz, customs and border protection, whose uniformed officers were issued these PPs.

I believe the disagreement wasn't with your post but the wild guessthat it meant Romania.