Type I
Serial Number range: 410000 (1921) to 537xxx (1924).
Approximate Production: 127,000+/-
Approximate Production: 127,000+/-
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Characteristics of the original design which describe Type I pistols and which changed over time:
The recoil spring has a pointed metal pin mounted at the front which fits into a corresponding indentation in the front cross bar of the slide.Walther Model 9 - Type I
- The slot in the underside of the slide on the right side extends only ¾ of the way towards the rear of the slide.
- The 3-digit serial number on the slide is stamped on the underside of the slide behind the ejector slot.
- Grip retention is by blue enamel disks with brass. The left disk is attached with a screw from inside the magazine well. The right disk is attached to a threaded nut inside the frame using a small spanner wrench. The face of the left disk is marked with the “CW” monogram in an oval. The face of the right disk is marked with “6 .35”in an oval and has small holes for the spanner. Both grips are plain checkered black plastic panels with ribbed backs.
- The Serial Number is stamped horizontally on the right rear of frame.
- Crown over N proof marks are stamped sideways on the right side above trigger on the frame and directly above on slide.
There is no magazine safety. - The “cup” that retains the striker spring on the slide retention bolt is about 2mm deep and the edge of the “cup” is even with the front of the slide retention bolt.
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Note that the complete transition from Type I to Type II took place over a range of several thousand pieces, and aspects of both Type I and Type II can be found in this serial number range.
Minor Changes made during Type I production:
- The extractor slot in the chamber of the barrel is not open, but has a thin sheet of metal which covers the extractor where it protrudes into the rear of the chamber on SN 410000 to approx 425xxx, after which the remaining metal of the extractor slot is milled away leaving the extractor exposed.
- The sight groove is narrow (about 1.5mm) on SN 410000 to approx 503xxx, then the sight groove is widened (about 3mm).
- The trigger spring is a coil spring on SN 410000 to approximately 525xxx, after which a flat trigger spring is used.
Type II
Virago 500 manual. Serial Number range: approximately 537xxx (1924) to SN 640xxx (1934).
Approximate Production: 103,000 +/-
Approximate Production: 103,000 +/-
Major Changes from Type I:
The pointed metal pin is no longer present on the end of the recoil spring. There is a tab milled directly into the cross bar at the front of the slide into which the front of the recoil spring is fitted.Walther Model 9 - Type II
- The slot on the underside of the slide on the right side is cut almost the full length of the slide.
- The last three digits of the serial number are stamped on the front of slide atop the cross bar.
- Grip retention is by small exterior screws and decorative steel washers attached to threaded bushings that are pressed into the frame.
Minor Changes during Type II production:
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- The rear of the firing pin is lengthened by approx 1.5 mm beginning around SN 540xxx. This makes it easier to “feel” when the pistol is cocked.
- The serial number on the frame is stamped horizontally on right rear of frame up to approx SN 605xxx after which it is stamped on the left of frame downwards vertically behind the trigger through approximately SN 634xxx then on left of frame upwards vertically behind trigger.
- Standard plain checkered black grip panels transition into checkered black grip panels with a large WALTHER logo on each side. Note: from approx SN 545xxx to 558xxx black grips with a plain right panel and a small WALTHER logo on the left panel are seen intermittently. All grip panels have ribbed backs.
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During the Type II production period Walther offered an upgrade to the standard Model 9 pistol that was designated the Model 9b. The 9b had an upgraded finish that reverted to the more decorative Type I style enamel grip retention disks, and in most cases the slide had acid etched engraving. The enamel retention disks are usually blue, but some are white . These handsome pistols were sold for a modest up-charge. Other than the grip retention disks the Model 9b was mechanically the same as the Model 9 Type II. The Model 9b should not be confused with special order Model 9’s which had high grade engraving and/or special plating and/or custom grips which are discussed below.
Type III
Serial Number range: approximately 641xxx to approximately 652xxx (1938) and then 190000N through 198xxxN (1940?).
Approximate Production: 19,000 +/-
Approximate Production: 19,000 +/-
Vim mac. Major Changes from Type II:
Magazine safety parts are added on right side of the frame behind the transfer bar. The grip frame is milled out to take the safety lever and a locking slot is milled into the transfer bar.Walther Model 9 - Type III
- The “cup” that retains the striker spring on slide retention bolt is milled to be shallow (about 1mm) at the top edge of the “cup”. The front edge is at an angle to the front of the slide retention bolt.
- Black checkered plastic grip panels with large Walther Logo on each grip have solid backs standard on all Type III.
Minor Changes during Type III production:
- The grip retention by exterior screw and washer into threaded bushings pressed into frame are seen through SN approx 196xxxN then a new style of blue enamel retention disks attached through the magazine well is used.
- Crown over N proof marks are found on the right side of the frame above the trigger and directly above on the slide until approximately SN 196xxxN, after which Eagle over N proof marks are stamped in the same locations.
There are examples of some very late production Model 9’s in which parts from all eras of production are assembled into complete pistols. These pistols appear to show that the Walther factory was using up all existing parts at the end of Model 9 production. It is not known exactly when Walther produced the last Model 9. It may have been as early as 1940, or possibly as late as 1945. Exact Model 9 production numbers and dates are no longer available. However, based upon the study of surviving examples it is possible to establish reasonable estimates of production quantities and dates.
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Throughout the entire production run Standard Model 9’s were available in either a high polish blue finish or with nickel plating. On a special order basis Walther offered high grade guns with custom finish options. In addition to the blue and nickel finish, gold and silver plating were offered. Walther’s famous high quality engraving service was also available. In addition, grips made of wood, ivory, or mother of pearl were options. Mechanically these beautiful Model 9’s were the same as the standard production type being made at the same time. High grade Model 9’s are seen in all types and variations.
Model 9 pistols with Import Markings
The Walther Firm was very active in marketing its fine products throughout the world in the period between WWI and WWII. On occasion Model 9 pistols will be found with various import markings required by different countries or added by retail outlets. These markings are found on all three Types of Model 9. Examples of these marks are tiny “MADE IN GERMANY” stamps indicating guns which were exported to the U.S.A., “VP over N” stamps with a serial number and a date stamped on pistols imported into Austria, a Rearing Lion with a serial number and a date stamped upon pistols imported into Czechoslovakia, and names and addresses of stores from San Francisco to Nairobi etched into the slide. Examples of exported Model 9 pistols are seen from the earliest 1921 production all the way until 1940. These markings add an interesting bit of personality to the guns that have them. The vast majority of Model 9 pistols seen in America do not have any import marks which implies that they were probably brought home from Europe by returning G.I.s who picked them up while serving during WWII.
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Walther Model 9 Magazines