Description
Among the many evolutionary branches of post-war German pistol development, the Walther PP Super stands as one of the more intriguing transitional designs produced by Carl Walther GmbH during the 1970s. While the production PP Super is typically associated with the 9×18 Ultra police cartridge, this particular example represents a far rarer and far less commonly encountered prototype chambered in 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP), an experimental configuration that reflects Walther’s early development work as the company explored possible chamberings and configurations for the model.
Visually, the pistol retains the distinctive design language that sets the PP Super apart from the earlier Walther PP and PPK series. The slide is longer and more angular, with broader flats and deeper machining lines, giving the pistol a noticeably more modern appearance compared to its predecessors. The frame retains the familiar Walther double-action/single-action system with a slide-mounted safety/decocker, while the overall geometry was strengthened to accommodate higher-pressure service cartridges under consideration at the time.
The pistol is fitted with classic Walther checkered brown grips, which complement the deep blued finish of the steel frame and slide. The lines of the pistol remain unmistakably Walther, elegant yet purposeful, with the slightly extended slide profile and prominent rear sight giving the pistol a more substantial presence than the earlier PP-series pistols.
The prototype status of this piece is reinforced by the accompanying factory documentation and test target, both of which provide a fascinating glimpse into Walther’s development process. The original 25-meter Walther test target shows the pistol’s evaluation firing during the testing phase, while the handwritten factory notes reference internal inspection and evaluation details connected with the prototype configuration. These artifacts not only document the pistol’s performance during testing but also serve as rare surviving evidence of the factory’s experimental work.
Mechanically, the pistol operates on Walther’s traditional straight-blowback system, paired with the company’s proven double-action trigger mechanism. The design includes a prominent external hammer, a slide-mounted safety lever with a visible red indicator, and fixed sights consistent with the era’s service pistols. The chambering in 9mm Kurz suggests the pistol may have been evaluated for markets or contracts where the .380 cartridge remained standard or preferred.
For collectors and historians of Walther firearms, prototypes such as this represent an important link between concept and production. They reveal the engineering decisions, testing phases, and alternate directions that manufacturers explored before settling on the final commercial configuration. Surviving examples are exceedingly scarce, especially those accompanied by period documentation and test materials.
Today, the Walther PP Super Prototype in 9mm Kurz stands not only as a rare experimental variant but also as a tangible piece of Walther’s engineering history, an artifact from the era when European manufacturers were redefining the modern service pistol.
For the advanced collector of Walther prototypes, developmental firearms, and rare European service pistols, this example represents a compelling and historically significant addition to any serious collection.
