German Walther PP

I have a Walther PP 7.65mm that my dad brought back from Germany during WWII. Inside the holster he inscribed his name and serial # which are still visible. Also after he passed away, I was going through some papers and found a Certificate issued to him by the Headquarters of the U S Armed Forces European Theater which referenced the s/n on the gun and gave him owernership of the captured enemy property. Don't know if this adds to the value or not but I thought it was a pretty cool find.

Just curious as to whether anyone might have any info on the potential value of the gun.

It is worth $25.00 (twenty five dollars)

The value of your 7.65mm (.32 caliber) WWII Walther PP & holster set depends on when it was made (you can tell this from the serial number), who it was captured from, whether it has matching serial numbers, commercial or military inspection stamps, the amount of pitting (hopefully none) and blue remaining, the type (plastic or wood) and condition of the grips and screw slots, etc. The value of the holster depends on condition, maker and military inspection markings, color, type, spare original magazine (with inspection stamping), etc. The amount that the capture papers can add to the value of your rig depends on whether they're original or a copy, who signed them, who owned it, etc.

Anyway, a correct set of war trophy papers can add 10% or more to the overall value of the set. It's definitely worth keeping the papers in good condition, keep the gun oiled and out of the holster, and keep the holster in a clean and dry place. Whatever the condition of your gun and holster please don't try to "upgrade" it with steel wool and cold blue - it will just decrease its value and historical importance. If you'll post the info I've mentioned here (or on waltherforums.com or another Walther collectors' site) you'll get a more detailed description of your pistol and an approximate value. Sounds like you've got a wonderful family heirloom though. Congratulations...

Milspec

Beau is stupid. The gun is certainly of value to a collector. Quality declined during the war, but it's historical interest should compensate for that. The other bits make it of greater interest to a collector. I don't live in the US so I couldn't start to value it, but I would think that over here in France it would attract at least a little attention.

But don't sell it. It is part of your dad's life and part of your family. It should remain like that.