Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
Update: 08-Nov-2014
I thought that an update to this thread was in order, because an earlier LP53 has come to my attention.
The current earliest known LP53 is now SN 001274, and pics of it can be seen here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/681456/m ... known+LP53" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The original subject of this post, SN 001345 remains significant among the earliest known LP53s by virtue of it being the most well preserved specimen currently known. It is in its original box, with all the sight inserts, the cocking knob, the factory test target, and the owners pamphlet (printed in German). Sadly, the original cleaning rod was missing, and the original early grips were broken. The damaged grips were replaced with a set of later grip panels that I had as spares to make the gun look more presentable. The original grips have been retained due to unique features they possess, not seen on later style grips.
As well, this is the earliest known variant of the LP53 box. This early Walther box is very different dimensionally from anything that I have seen to date. The box measures 349 mm wide by 180 mm deep by only 47 mm high. The accessory shelf for the sight inserts inside the box measures 38 mm wide by 115 mm deep by 34 mm high. Contrast these dimensions to the box most commonly seen for these pistols, at 345 mm wide by 170 mm deep by 58 mm high, with the accessory shelf measuring 52 mm wide by 117 mm deep by 46 mm high.
I thought that an update to this thread was in order, because an earlier LP53 has come to my attention.
The current earliest known LP53 is now SN 001274, and pics of it can be seen here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/681456/m ... known+LP53" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The original subject of this post, SN 001345 remains significant among the earliest known LP53s by virtue of it being the most well preserved specimen currently known. It is in its original box, with all the sight inserts, the cocking knob, the factory test target, and the owners pamphlet (printed in German). Sadly, the original cleaning rod was missing, and the original early grips were broken. The damaged grips were replaced with a set of later grip panels that I had as spares to make the gun look more presentable. The original grips have been retained due to unique features they possess, not seen on later style grips.
As well, this is the earliest known variant of the LP53 box. This early Walther box is very different dimensionally from anything that I have seen to date. The box measures 349 mm wide by 180 mm deep by only 47 mm high. The accessory shelf for the sight inserts inside the box measures 38 mm wide by 115 mm deep by 34 mm high. Contrast these dimensions to the box most commonly seen for these pistols, at 345 mm wide by 170 mm deep by 58 mm high, with the accessory shelf measuring 52 mm wide by 117 mm deep by 46 mm high.
Last edited by Leonardj on Sat Nov 08, 2014 7:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Excellent post Len, and good pictures if the nuances.
Would be easily missed if you didn't know what to look for.
Kind regards,
Phil
Would be easily missed if you didn't know what to look for.
Kind regards,
Phil
M0KPH
I now have so many airguns I've had to make a list, which is >>HERE<<
>>North Manchester Target Club<<
I now have so many airguns I've had to make a list, which is >>HERE<<
>>North Manchester Target Club<<
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- Posts:26
- Joined:Mon Dec 17, 2012 7:35 pm
Thus far I have only put a few pellets over the chrony to check it out.chriscp1991:1077 wrote:very nice indeed, a lovely example of an old lp53
the important question; do you "use" it? How does she shoot?
chriscp1991
It will be properly freshened up before doing any further shooting with it, but it will be shot.
Re: Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
I bought this in sweden two weeks ago. The serialnumber is: 01154. It doesnt start with "00". Is it a realy early one? The condition is very good. Is it rare?
/ Henrik
/ Henrik
Re: Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
Hello Henrik,Henno3 wrote:I bought this in sweden two weeks ago. The serialnumber is: 01154. It doesnt start with "00". Is it a realy early one? The condition is very good. Is it rare?
/ Henrik
All Walther LP53 pistols had six digit serial numbers.
The serial number of your gun should have one more number. Based on your description, I suspect that the missing digit is the one that comes after the "4".
Sometimes, the last number of the serial number is obscured by a buildup of old lubricant and dirt near the point where the barrel pivots.
I have also seen a couple of rare incidences where the number is stamped too far to the right, so that the last digit is actually hidden by the receiver at the barrel pivot point, requiring removal of the barrel from the receiver to be able to see the full serial number.
Have a closer look and see if you can spot the missing number.
Re: Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
God morning.
Yes, thats correct! I found a number in the dirt. So the number is now 011547.
Do you know if its from the 50:ies with this number?
/Henrik
Yes, thats correct! I found a number in the dirt. So the number is now 011547.
Do you know if its from the 50:ies with this number?
/Henrik
Re: Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
Based on the serial number, your gun was made in 1955, possibly around Sep or Oct.Henno3 wrote:God morning.
Yes, thats correct! I found a number in the dirt. So the number is now 011547.
Do you know if its from the 50:ies with this number?
/Henrik
Re: Earliest Known Walther LP53 Air Pistol.
Thank you very much for that information! Very interesting to know that.