Dating a Walther PPK/S

[cyclopsshooter]

I just picked up a Walther PPK/S today for $450 FTF with the intended purpose of using it as a concealed carry piece... However, upon closer examination I am beginning to reconsider carrying it...
It is an West German Import with a 95% deep polished blue... It is a very handsome piece with just the slightest of high edge wear- I know this is a well made version and a desirable handgun despite the rage some feel over the Interarms compass banner.
Anyway, I am thinking of finding an original box for it and (gasp) make it a safe queen for posterity- Is there a way to date it and find a matching box? The serial number is 181XXX and the barrel has a 74 stamped left of the antler proof.

P.S. My US made stainless Interarms has a red dot on the safety- This imported one looks like a sloppily applied off white dot. Is that factory? Would it be a bad idea to reapply it in red?

Thanks for any assistance
cyclops

 

[searcher451]

Congratulations on a good find, Cyclops. That's a good price ... and there's not a lot you can do about the hideous Interarms banner; it is what it is, as they say. The "74" on the barrel hood inmdicates that it was made in 1974. This thread from the Walther Forums may help as well:

http://www.waltherforums.com/showthread.php?t=10152

Some folks like to have the safety dots of white/red restored (a lot of the originals are removed from years of vigorous cleanings). Testor's model paint seems to be the best bet to do this; it will look and last like the real deal. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[MN_Swede]

Searcher is correct about the 1974 date. Your best bet for finding a correct period box/case is on e-bay. They come up regularly.

It's a great gun, whether you shoot it or not (I'd shoot it).

Best of luck,
Craig

 

[MICHAEL T]

Shoot it and enjoy it Be many years I would guess be for it would be considered a collector I would do what was made for carry and shoot it
I still carry my PPK/S Just not as often Mustang and a KelTec have replaced in 380 for pocket pistol

 

[RedAlert]

Did she kiss on the first date?

 

[Dain Bramage]

Did she kiss on the first date?

She probably scratched.

 

[searcher451]

Swede's suggestion of eBay for a box is spot on, though Earl's Repair will be able to help as well, if you run into a snag finding one online to suit your timeframe:

http://www.carlwalther.com/

Good luck.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

i have no problem shooting it, already have just don't want to muck her up by carrying...

and for those interested, we haven't kissed, but she is a darn good cuddler