In 96% very sharp condition, we have a scarce and seldom seen Lightweight Duraluminum Frame 1944 end of wartime production Walther PPK Pistol. Very late in WW2 Walther made a final run of Walther PPk”s using these dural frames that were still in storage at the plant in an effort to continue production as long as possible. When these frames were used up PPK production ceased until well after the war. The pistol is fully rigged out with a scarce 1943 dated Pebblegrain Earhardt made tan holster and the spare magazine.
These Dural frame pistols were some of the first firearms produced with an aluminum alloy frame and they are by no means common. The use of this lightweight alloy metal was considered very exotic and innovative at the time. The Duraluminum alloy metal was developed by the Dürener Company back in 1909. It was used by Walther pre-war as a way to produce a lighter pistol and it does weigh around 1/4 of a pound lighter than the regular steel frame PPK. The one issue with these guns is that the anodizing that was used was not perfected at the time and it does show pronounced discoloration after 80 years. This pistol is all matching and has a mint bore. Late during WW2 this final run of Dural framed pistols was produced however they are not nearly as well finished or elegant as the pre war examples. These very scarce late war PPK variants are highly sought after by collectors.
