Help identifying Pre WWII Walther .22 cal. rifle

[Dpage]

This walther rifle is in .22cal. long rifle, magizine fed & is fired in the semiautomatic mode by positioning it's bolt handle in the upper position. It is fired as a single shot by placing the bolt handle in the down position. Bolt can be secured to the rear in the open position. On the top rear of receiver is "Waffenfabrik Walther Z" & perhaps a small #8. Due to the presence of a rear claw scope mount other #'s or letters that might have been there can not be seen. The barrel is 20.5", action is 5.5" & total length of rifle is 38". It has a thumb operated slide safety on the upper rear tang. There is also a front claw style scope mount. The front scope mount is offset to the left about 1/8" & is index marked to the receiver. I have a non-origional magazine I slightly modified which now feeds & functions reliably. Suffice that many hours of web search on many sights rendered no info. on this unusuall rifle. Any info. on approx. date of manufacture, how many were made, value & desirability to collectors & their contact info. will be greately appreciated. Please view pics.

 

[Jim Watson]

That is a Walther Automatic Rifle Modell 1 Lightweight. (There was a Standard model with 24.5" barrel and long finger groove foreend.)
It was made before WW II well up into the 1930s but I don't know when it came out. If you could find proof marks it could be pinned down as to pre- or post- Nazi years. Full brand name markings would be Waffenfabrik Walther Zella-Mehis, Thu.

There is also a Modell 2 which differs mainly in having a wing safety more like a bolt action.

I have no idea of how many were made or how desirable they are. They were very expensive here in their day and most folks would have bought a Winchester 63 for less money or a Winchester 52 for target shooting. They seem not to fit any US collectors' niche. They sell in the $400+ range when offered, which is not often.

 

[Dpage]

Thanks

Thanks, Jim. I appreciate your info. Looks like my query has run out of steame. But hoping for more input.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sorry 'bout that, but there are not many records. We bombed that facility and then let the Soviets have the area after WW II.