identify pistol

Question
I found a pistol in my fater-in-laws home after he past away. He was a ww2 vet. the only markings on the gun is, on left side, cal.7.65 on the slide. on left grip,2 s's linked together with a small u through one s. on right side eagle over n on the back part of the slide and the same on the frame below serial #469190. any info would be helpful. thanks Jhon

Answer
John,

Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly what type of pistol it is without manufacturer or model info.  Here is what I can tell you...

The caliber, 7.65, which is equivalent to a .32 caliber here in the US, was a very popular caliber for German wartime pistols.  The "Eagle over N" is a proof mark, generally speaking an 'acceptance mark' from the German government.  The proof mark would normally appear on both the slide and the frame.

The most popular 'bring back' of this firearms were either Walther PP or PPK type pistols.  It is most likely a PP if it is a larger gun.  There were lots of these and many a returning GI brought home a Walther.  There are even some reports of soldiers assembling guns from parts they found in factories where the guns were being made.  This resulted in frame / slide mismatches, etc.

You can do a Google search for either and get a photo to compare your gun to.

I'm not sure about the 2 s with the U through one 's'.  It would be very unusual for markings like that to appear on the grip.  If they are in the metal, near the grip on the other side, again it is most likely a proof mark.

That's really about all I can tell you without seeing a photo...

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Doug