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Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  GERMAN PISTOL WALTHER PPK 7.65MM SN# 198578k
Maker/Manufacturer:	WALTHER, CARL
Date of Manufacture:	1931-1935
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 893
Measurements:	OL: 15.2CM 6" BL: 8.2CM 3 1/4" 20 oz.

Object Description:

GERMAN PISTOL WALTHER PPK 7.65MM SN# 198578k
Manufactured by Walther, Zella-Mehlis, Germany - German commercial semi-automatic pistol with 7-round feed mechanism. Blow-back operated. 6-groove rifling, right hand twist. Double-action, loaded chamber indicator, hammer release safety, one piece plastic grip. Weapon weighs approximately 20 oz. Weapon complete with 7-round detachable box magazine.

Markings:
Frame: 198578K.
Slide: - Walther logo. WAFFENFABRIK WALTHER, ZELLA-MEHLIS (THUR)/WALTHER'S PATENT CAL. 7.65 MM. MOD. PPK. Right side: Commercial proofs.
Barrel: Commercial proofs. Crown/N.
Grips: Walther banner on both grips.

Exhibit label: "PPK - 7.65 millimeter. Introduced in 1931, the Walther PPK (Polizei Pistole Kriminal) was first issued to the detective branch of the German police force, then became popular with officers in the German military. Essentially a smaller version of the Model PP, it was manufactured in several calibers in addition to 7.65mm; .22LR, 6.35mm, and 9mm."

Notes: "...Walther PPK, 7.65mm. Only three men I know carry that gun, and I've killed two of them..." - Former KGB agent turned arms dealer upon hearing British agent James Bond, 007, cocking the hammer on his issued Walther PPK.

"The success of the Polizei-Pistole as a holster pistol was followed by the introduction of a compact mode, allegedly developed for use in shoulder holsters at the request of the Prussian state police. This was the 'PPK' or Kriminalpolizei-Pistol, named for its appeal to investigative plain clothes policemen.
The PPK was a smaller version of the PP, identical in every mechanical respect for a significant change in the construction of the butt. Instead of being forged with a steel back strap and separate grip plates, the PPK had a simple rectangular grip-frame without a back strap and a moulded one-piece plastic grip. An optional finger-rest on the magazine base - also available with the Polizei-Pistole - could improve grip if required.
Production of the PPK began in 7.65mm Auto and 9mm Short chamberings, and then extended to 6.35mm Auto and .22LR rimfire. The 6.35mm PPK, like the equivalent PP, was very rare; it was discontinued in 1935 after only a few hundred had been made. Production resumed in the 1960s in .22, 7.65mm and 9mm only." - Hogg & Weeks

Fernand Bonner, a 20 year old French expatriate and member of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), used a Walther PPK to assassinate Admiral Jean Francois Darlan on December 24, 1942. The PPK was used in hopes of not linking the assassination to the British. But Darlan knew otherwise. On his death bed, Darlan muttered, "I knew the British would get me at last." They did.

References:
Gangarosa, Gene. THE WALTHER HANDGUN STORY. Stoeger Publishing Co. Wayne, N.J. 1999.
Hogg, Ian & John Weeks. PISTOLS OF THE WORLD. 3rd Ed. DBI Books, Inc. Northbrook, Il. 1992.
Hogg, Ian. SMALL ARMS: PISTOLS AND RIFLES. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg, Pa. 2001.