Krieghoff Engraved Gauleiter

1936 Krieghoff "P" Code Presentation
Not For Sale

By serial number this appears to be a 1936 Krieghoff (1304) however the presentation side plate marking is for 9 September 1941. One of the most beautiful presentation guns that we have ever seen with the strength and depth of a master engraver for the Krieghoff plant. All matching and a "P" Code with the P inserted below the serial number on the frame. Enjoy! (1215)

We are fortunate to have on hand two highly engraved Krieghoff Presentation guns that for the sake of comparison we are presenting some joint pictures. ABOVE: The Frank Butterfield engraved gun has been recognized by the Krieghoff family and identified by letter. It also references the engraver. (See Gun) BELOW: What has become know as the Gauleiter gun is a too similar match in engraving to be discarded as not the work of the same engraver, Karl Kolb, of Suhl identified with the 'Butterfield' gun.

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon. Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.



Comparison of the engraving between the 1304 (dated 1941) and the #7 Dated postwar: While the pattern is similar the differences lay in the technique employed. #7 Postwar appears to be relief engraved with the oak leaves distinguished by removing the metal around the oak leaf. #1304 appears in counter-relief, using the same pattern the material is removed from the oak leave leaving the edges to define the object. The similarity of the engraving appears to reflect the same artist (especially the grips) however there are many variations to the oak-leaf dart pattern to suggest anyone with extraordinary experience could have produced either piece.




The thumb safety is marked "GESICHERT" (Safe) is show with the engraving surrounding the safety. The toggles both left and right show the slight counter sink that is only characteristic of the true Krieghoff matching.

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A Gauleiter was the party leader of a regional branch of the NSDAP (more commonly known as the Nazi Party) or the head of a Gau or of a Reichsgau. The Gauleiters were the unquestioned rulers of their particular areas of responsibility. The legal governmental establishment merely existed as a rubber stamp for the Gauleiter. Party control over the civil administration was institutionalized, as in many cases Gauleiters also held the supreme civil administrative posts in their area (Reichsstatthalter or Oberpräsident). However, since Party Gau boundaries and provincial/state boundaries were rarely the same, this arrangement led to mutually overlapping jurisdictions.



The master craftsmanship of the engraving around the trigger is exquisite. The Eagle N (German commercial acceptance proof) appears on both the receiver and the frame over/under each other. Two oak leafs on the raised portion of the side plate shows the touch of detail on this Presentation Parabellum.

The engraving of the Krieghoff side plate is dated September 9th, 1941 which is the German method of writing the date, as day/month/year, is atypical of the style of writing dates and is distinctive to all the engraved Presentation guns.

Rather odd that the frame would exhibit a small hole that appears to represent a re-build for a hold-open, only speculation but this might have been a DWM frame by the thickness of the rear ramp on the receiver. The Krieghoff manufactured ramp was narrower and the curvature of the radius was greater than the DWM model.


The grips are engraved ivory are also simply beautiful. The grip screws are also engraved affirming the expertise of the engraver.

The "Butterfield" #7 Grip Screws & Grips are detailed with too much similarity to be created by different engravers. Heindrich Krieghoff identified the #7 gun and creator and our examination confirms our belief it was the same man.

Left Joachim von Ribbentrop, was Foreign Minister of Nazi Germany from 1938 until 1945 with Ernst W. Bohle, Gauleiter AOS

Ernst Wilhelm Bohle (Right) (1903-1960) was the official responsible for the Auslands-Organisation der NSAP, which represented German Nazis living outside Germany. His positions included Gauleiter of the Foreign Organization of the Nazi Party (1933 - 1945); State Secretary for the Foreign Organization in the Reich Foreign Office (1937-1941). He held the rank of SS-Obergruppenfuehrer, and, within the Party, was Gauleiter of the Auslands-Organisation der NSDAP. Found guilty at Nuremburg on only Count 5 (Membership in a Criminal Organization [the SS]), he was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment on 11.04.1949. Released as an act of clemency by order of U.S. High Commissioner John J. McCloy, 21.12.1949.





This is the best of the best in Presentation Parabellums.




ABOVE Evident that the gun received all the internal proofs appropriate for the early Krieghoff. It also indicates that this gun was fired in its lifetime. BELOW: Under the first toggle link is the serial number and the Stage I proof as it also appears on the toggle link.


The breach block is double proofed with the Commercial Eagle N and the Stage I proofing along with the last two digits of the serial number. The rear toggle indicates that the gun was fired or cycled sufficiently to wear off the silver-plating around the rear main axel pin.


The early method of placing the serial number and the Stage I proofing brings us to the conclusion this was a 1936 model that was changed to a "P" {Privat} Code for a Presentation Gun. The engraving is beyond belief in depth and detail.

LAYAWAYS: Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons. In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed. Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

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3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it. See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

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