Pistol identification

rascal2 · September 1, 2009, 06:13 PM

My son recently managed to lose a pistol belonging to his (deceased) uncle. I will probably have to replace it. What I know for sure: 1) It was brought back after WWII from Germany, 2) it had a snake symbol on the grip (coiled like a cobra). After looking on line, I think it was a Walther PPK.

Any help it identifying the pistol and getting a value would be appreciated.

Sevens · September 1, 2009, 06:26 PM

You don't have the pistol... and you want us to identify it and give a value?

No pictures?

old_ironsights · September 1, 2009, 08:32 PM

Y'know, it's about so long, and so wide and it's some caliber or other, and it's y'know...

MLeake · September 1, 2009, 08:58 PM

... and you don't have a serial number, let alone make and model, I seriously doubt you'll get anything from insurance.

Who would you replace it for, if the owner is deceased?

James K · September 1, 2009, 10:45 PM

I wouldn't even try to replace it unless you can get some better info. I think I would just offer the heirs of the deceased man some sum of money, say $200. The actual pistol is presumably gone, and they can't replace it, so they might be willing to accept money instead of another gun with no connection to the deceased.

FWIW, the Walther PPK is still made (in the US) and can be ordered at any gun store; WWII vintage ones are seen at every gun show.

Edited to add: That "coiled snake" rang a bell. There is a pistol called the Ortgies which has a symbol on the grip that could be taken for a snake (it is actually a stylized "D" for the manufacturer Deutsche Werke, AG). Here is a picture of the Ortgies:

http://www.gunsworld.com/gun_pistols/ortgies_us.html

If that is the gun, $200-250 would be a fair value.

Jim

rascal2 · September 2, 2009, 12:13 AM

Thanks to Jim Keenan for your assistance. That is indeed the pistol that was lost. I had hoped that the symbol on the side would help in its identification. I very much appreciate your help and compliment you on your expertise.

Uncle Buck · September 2, 2009, 10:55 AM

The guys on this site are amazing. From what little description was available from the OP, you are able to identify the gun. Again, amazing.

MLeake · September 2, 2009, 11:49 AM

... if your uncle's heirs haven't already, you should strongly recommend to them that they record what firearms they have, by make, model, and serial number, plus get some pictures.

That way, in case of future loss, they may have some ability to file a claim.

Good luck,

M

September 1, 2009, 06:13 PM	#1
rascal2 Junior Member Join Date: September 1, 2009 Posts: 2	Pistol identification My son recently managed to lose a pistol belonging to his (deceased) uncle. I will probably have to replace it. What I know for sure: 1) It was brought back after WWII from Germany, 2) it had a snake symbol on the grip (coiled like a cobra). After looking on line, I think it was a Walther PPK. Any help it identifying the pistol and getting a value would be appreciated.

September 1, 2009, 06:26 PM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	You don't have the pistol... and you want us to identify it and give a value? No pictures? __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 1, 2009, 08:58 PM	#4
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	If he lost it... ... and you don't have a serial number, let alone make and model, I seriously doubt you'll get anything from insurance. Who would you replace it for, if the owner is deceased?

September 1, 2009, 10:45 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I wouldn't even try to replace it unless you can get some better info. I think I would just offer the heirs of the deceased man some sum of money, say $200. The actual pistol is presumably gone, and they can't replace it, so they might be willing to accept money instead of another gun with no connection to the deceased. FWIW, the Walther PPK is still made (in the US) and can be ordered at any gun store; WWII vintage ones are seen at every gun show. Edited to add: That "coiled snake" rang a bell. There is a pistol called the Ortgies which has a symbol on the grip that could be taken for a snake (it is actually a stylized "D" for the manufacturer Deutsche Werke, AG). Here is a picture of the Ortgies: http://www.gunsworld.com/gun_pistols/ortgies_us.html If that is the gun, $200-250 would be a fair value. Jim Last edited by James K; September 1, 2009 at 10:53 PM.

September 2, 2009, 12:13 AM	#6
rascal2 Junior Member Join Date: September 1, 2009 Posts: 2	Pistol Identifiction - Ortgies Thanks to Jim Keenan for your assistance. That is indeed the pistol that was lost. I had hoped that the symbol on the side would help in its identification. I very much appreciate your help and compliment you on your expertise.

September 1, 2009, 08:32 PM	#3
old_ironsights Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: ~ OKLAHOMA CITY ~ Posts: 380	Y'know, it's about so long, and so wide and it's some caliber or other, and it's y'know...

September 2, 2009, 10:55 AM	#7
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	The guys on this site are amazing. From what little description was available from the OP, you are able to identify the gun. Again, amazing.

September 2, 2009, 11:49 AM	#8
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Rascal2... ... if your uncle's heirs haven't already, you should strongly recommend to them that they record what firearms they have, by make, model, and serial number, plus get some pictures. That way, in case of future loss, they may have some ability to file a claim. Good luck, M

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