Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this German semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Walther Model P1.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Walther
Model: P1
Serial: 005247E
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with U-Cut Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Black Synthetic Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P1 is a postwar German military sidearm that evolved directly from the famous Walther P38, carrying forward one of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century while incorporating modernized materials and manufacturing techniques for Cold War-era service. Manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH, the P1 was adopted by the newly formed West German Bundeswehr in the 1950s, following World War II, and essentially served as the updated military successor to the wartime P38 design. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the pistol retained the distinctive locked-breech short-recoil operating system and falling locking block mechanism that made the original P38 revolutionary when first introduced, as it was one of the earliest successful military pistols to feature a double-action/single-action trigger system combined with a decocking safety. One of the defining characteristics of the Walther P1 is its lightweight aluminum alloy frame, which distinguishes it from earlier wartime P38 pistols, which used all-steel construction. This reduction in weight made the pistol easier for soldiers to carry during extended service use while still maintaining durability and reliability under military conditions. The pistol typically features an exposed hammer, open-top slide design for improved reliability and ejection, fixed combat sights, and an eight-round detachable box magazine. Mechanically, the P1 is widely respected for its smooth cycling characteristics and relatively advanced engineering for its era, especially the DA/SA trigger system that allowed soldiers to safely carry the pistol with a chambered round while still providing rapid readiness for use. Later-production P1 pistols also incorporated reinforcement improvements, such as a hexagonal cross-bolt reinforcement pin in the frame to increase durability when firing higher-pressure NATO-spec ammunition. In practical use, the Walther P1 became the standard sidearm of the West German military and police forces for decades, serving throughout the height of the Cold War and earning a reputation for reliability, comfortable ergonomics, and practical combat performance.
Model: P1
Serial: 005247E
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with U-Cut Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Black Synthetic Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P1 is a postwar German military sidearm that evolved directly from the famous Walther P38, carrying forward one of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century while incorporating modernized materials and manufacturing techniques for Cold War-era service. Manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH, the P1 was adopted by the newly formed West German Bundeswehr in the 1950s, following World War II, and essentially served as the updated military successor to the wartime P38 design. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the pistol retained the distinctive locked-breech short-recoil operating system and falling locking block mechanism that made the original P38 revolutionary when first introduced, as it was one of the earliest successful military pistols to feature a double-action/single-action trigger system combined with a decocking safety. One of the defining characteristics of the Walther P1 is its lightweight aluminum alloy frame, which distinguishes it from earlier wartime P38 pistols, which used all-steel construction. This reduction in weight made the pistol easier for soldiers to carry during extended service use while still maintaining durability and reliability under military conditions. The pistol typically features an exposed hammer, open-top slide design for improved reliability and ejection, fixed combat sights, and an eight-round detachable box magazine. Mechanically, the P1 is widely respected for its smooth cycling characteristics and relatively advanced engineering for its era, especially the DA/SA trigger system that allowed soldiers to safely carry the pistol with a chambered round while still providing rapid readiness for use. Later-production P1 pistols also incorporated reinforcement improvements, such as a hexagonal cross-bolt reinforcement pin in the frame to increase durability when firing higher-pressure NATO-spec ammunition. In practical use, the Walther P1 became the standard sidearm of the West German military and police forces for decades, serving throughout the height of the Cold War and earning a reputation for reliability, comfortable ergonomics, and practical combat performance.
Shooters often appreciated the pistol’s naturally ergonomic grip shape, manageable recoil, and surprisingly accurate fixed-barrel alignment system, though some criticized the heavier double-action trigger pull compared to modern service pistols. The open-slide design also contributed to reliable extraction and reduced the likelihood of stovepipe malfunctions, a feature later famously echoed in Beretta service pistols. While the aluminum frame limited extremely high-volume durability compared to heavier steel-framed pistols, the P1 remained highly effective as a military sidearm and became an important bridge between classic wartime handguns and more modern service pistol concepts. Today, the Walther P1 is highly appreciated by military firearms collectors and surplus enthusiasts for its historical connection to both the legendary P38 and the Cold War Bundeswehr, as well as for its innovative engineering, lightweight construction, and status as one of the most influential postwar military pistols ever fielded.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1178348259 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-07 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
245 |




