East German Pistole 1001-0 4″ 7.65mm .32 ACP Pistol Walther PP Copy C&R

SOLD FOR: $871

WOA#: WY240128WP002

Make: East German, Suhl, Soviet Controlled Ernst Thalmann Werke

Model: Pistole 1001-0

Serial Number: 19354

Year of Manufacture: 1953-1957

Caliber: 7.65mm, .32 ACP

Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine and Slide-Mounted Decocker Safety

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “1001-0-Cal 7,65”.  The right side of the slide is marked “19354”.  The right side of the frame is marked “19354”, “9MM GERMANY SARCO STIRIC” (The import mark is partial), and three proofs.  The left side of the frame is marked with a Eagle over crowned N which is a mark of postwar East German national proof house at Suhl.  The chamber is marked with a Nitro Eagle and “7,65”.  All the serials match.

Barrel Length: 3.9”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low-profile blade that is integral to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed into the slide. The top of the slide has a serrated rib to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic. The panels show little nicks and scratches on the smooth borders. There is also a notable scuff at the top of the right panel. The checkering shows handling wear and has a few scattered compressed checkers but it is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some faint scratches throughout. There is light thinning on certain leading edges. There is some faint oxidation on the back strap. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is a little stiff and the single-action pull has a smooth takeup followed by a light, crisp break. This pistol has a decocking safety that functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two magazines.  One magazine is unmarked and the other is a Mec-Gar magazine.  This pistol comes with its leather holster in Very Good condition.  The leather is pliable and untorn.  There are some scratches and scuffs.

Our Assessment: The East German Pistole 1001-0, often recognized as a copy of the Walther PP (Polizeipistole), is a significant piece of Cold War-era firearms history. Manufactured in the Ernst Thälmann Werke in Suhl, which was under Soviet control at the time, this pistol exemplifies the intricate blend of engineering prowess and political influence characteristic of the period.

Designed to mirror the highly successful Walther PP in both form and function, the Pistole 1001-0 was part of East Germany’s efforts to equip its security forces with reliable, effective sidearms. The Walther PP, known for its compact size, reliability, and innovative double-action trigger mechanism, set a high standard in military and police firearms. The East German version sought to replicate these features, offering a similar level of performance and usability.

The Pistole 1001-0’s production in Suhl, a city with a storied history in arms manufacturing, ensured that the pistol was made to rigorous standards. Despite being a copy, it was crafted with the attention to detail and quality control that the region’s gunmakers were renowned for. This pistol served not just as a tool for law enforcement and military personnel in East Germany but also as a symbol of the technological and industrial capabilities behind the Iron Curtain.

Collectors and historians value the Pistole 1001-0 for its historical significance, representing a period of intense rivalry and ideological conflict. Its association with the Ernst Thälmann Werke further enhances its collectibility, linking the pistol to a facility named after a notable figure in German communist history. As a piece of Cold War memorabilia, the East German PP copy offers insights into the era’s geopolitical tensions, the spread of Soviet influence, and the practical realities of security and defense in East Germany.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.