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Carl Walther Waffenfabrik, Ulm-am-Donau, W Germany. (formerly of Zella Mehlis) See Mod 4 for Walther waffenfabrik’s history. In 1920, after recovering from the effects of the war, Walther produced the Model 8, another 6.35 mm pistol. The slide extension was abandoned for a new full length slide, tapering at the front. This model introduced a new idea, the use of the trigger guard as a stripping latch. The guard pivoted at the butt, and an extension of the front edge passes through a slot in the frame below the barrel, where it acts as the slide stop. This system was protected in Br pat 149279/1920, among several other ideas. It was made until 1943. The single action weapon is smaller and has a more modern shape. The frame mounted, safety catch moved from behind the grip, to behind the trigger guard and it still blocks the sear. The recoil spring is located around the barrel and the magazine held 8 shots and the magazine catch is still the early Walther design at the heel of the butt. The pistol had a good size grip and the finish was excellent. It is generally agreed that it is one of the best 6.35 mm pistol of the time and was rarely been surpassed since. It is classified as a relic in the USA (Ref. ‘Pistols and revolvers’ by JE Smith p147, ‘Famous pistols and handguns’ by A J R Cormack, ‘Pistols of the world’ by Hogg and Weeks p256)

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