Description
There’s something unmistakably special about the Korth autopistols that came out of Ratzeburg. They occupy this fascinating space where German mechanical discipline meets almost jewelry-grade finishing, and this particular example takes that formula to another level with its striking Plasma finish and dual-caliber capability.
At first glance, the finish immediately pulls you in. The Plasma treatment gives the pistol a deep, liquid metallic tone that shifts subtly under light, somewhere between satin stainless and a soft gray chrome. It’s refined rather than flashy, the kind of finish that rewards close inspection rather than demanding attention from across the room. Against that backdrop, the gold-accented controls and trigger provide just enough contrast to highlight the pistol’s mechanical architecture without overwhelming its elegance.
The slide machining is classic Ratzeburg, sharply defined serrations, precision flats, and flawless edge transitions that speak to the hand-fitted nature of these pistols. Even among high-end European autopistols, Korth’s tolerances and finishing standards have always stood apart, and this piece is no exception.
The grip panels add warmth to the overall presentation. Richly figured wood, carefully shaped and polished, balances the cool metallic finish of the frame and slide. The contouring fits naturally in the hand while maintaining the visual sophistication expected from a pistol of this pedigree.
Mechanically, this example is built around versatility. Chambered in 9mm, it is accompanied by a matching .357 SIG caliber exchange barrel, allowing the platform to shift between two distinct performance personalities. The inclusion of the additional barrel expands both the technical appeal and collector desirability, especially when retained in a complete, factory-configured set such as this.
All major components remain matching, reinforcing the integrity and originality of the pistol as it left the Korth factory. For collectors who prioritize continuity and factory correctness, this alignment of serialized parts is a key element of long-term value and historical preservation.
The pistol is housed in its original factory case, fitted to securely store the firearm, exchange barrels, and store accessories. Documentation and period materials further enhance the presentation, rounding out a package that feels complete, deliberate, and authentically Korth.
Pieces like this represent a very specific chapter in Korth’s semi-automatic development, a time when the Ratzeburg workshop was producing pistols in extremely limited numbers, each one reflecting the brand’s uncompromising standards in machining, finishing, and assembly.
For the advanced collector, it’s not just about rarity, it’s about execution. And in that regard, this Plasma-finished Ratzeburg Autopistol, with its dual-caliber configuration and fully matching composition, stands as a refined and technically compelling example of German precision firearms artistry.
