Valuation Advice: Walther LP53 Match

[Prof51mtw]

I'd be most grateful for any advice on the valuation of a virtually mint, boxed Walther LP53 Match. Thanks, Mike

[j_potter]

hi, by match do you mean it has an anatomical grip?

[Prof51mtw]

hi, by match do you mean it has an anatomical grip?

Yes. It has an anatomical wooden grip.

[j_potter]

i didn't realise they made one with an anatomical grip. is this an original
model or has the grip been added later do you think ? i have an lp3 match
and the grip is quite a handfull. i'd be very interested to see a picture. as to value it sounds rare to me.

[Troubledshooter]

I too would like to see pictures pictures of this item, as I can find no mention of 'Match Grips' available for the LP53, although they were available for both LP2 and LP3 models.
John Griffiths states that chequered wooden grips were available to special order, so that may be the answer, unless a set of 'match' grips have been specially made.
It's not an easy item to value as it would appear to be a rarity, but as the normal boxed LP53 should fetch around £250 - £300, I would guess a figure of around £350 - £400 wouldn't be unreasonable.

[Prof51mtw]

I've taken another look at this pistol, following the comments received (it belongs to a friend). I now suspect that the grips are after-market: they are marked 'Bowler' on the inside. The description of 'LP53 Match' comes off the sales receipt for the pistol dated 1973. Does all this make sense?

p.s. He now tells me he also has two other Walther pistols an LP2 and an LP3,the latter unused. Any guidance on the value of these would also be appreciated.


Thanks for the advice.

Mike