Send us your own comments about this object.

Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  GERMAN PISTOL ORTGIES 7.65MM SN# 101878
Maker/Manufacturer:	ORTGIES, HEINRICH
Date of Manufacture:	C 1925
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1003
Measurements:	OL: 6 1/2" BL: 3 7/8" 22.5 oz. empty

Object Description:

GERMAN PISTOL ORTGIES 7.65MM SN# 101878
Manufactured by Deutsche Werke, Erfurt, Germany - Standard Ortgies semi-automatic pistol. Blowback action, striker fired. Blued finish with two-piece smooth walnut grips. Fixed blade front, fixed U-notch rear sight. 6-groove rifling; right hand twist. Constructed without screws using pins and spring-loaded catches. Weapon weighs approximately 22.5 oz. empty. Complete with 8-round detachable box magazine and in very good condition.

Markings:
Frame: Crown/N proofs. 101878/GERMANY.
Slide: DEUTSCHE WERKE, Deutsche Werk logo WERK ERFURT. Right side: ORTGIES' PATENT
Barrel: Crown/N/ CAL. 7.65MM.
Grips: Deutsche Werke logo.

Notes: "Ortgies pistol is a straight blowback, semiautomatic pistol, utilizing a seven-round detachable box magazine in 6.35mm caliber, eight-round in 7.65mm caliber, and seven-round in 9mm K caliber. It utilizes an internal striker, and the only safety is the grip safety. The firearm could be fired whenever the grip safety was pushed in, for the grip safety locked in the in position. In order to make it safe once again, you had to push a button located on the left side of the frame just to the rear of the grip. However, because of the internal design of the firing pin, it still was not safe to carry. There have been instances recorded where the pistol could be in someone's pocket and jarred slightly, discharging, even with the safety in place. The reason for this is the design of the sear engagement lugs on the striker. Instead of being of solid construction, they were made in two prongs, which were easily broken, due to faulty heat treatment, or age embrittlement. Therefore, on this particular pistol, unless you intend to actually shoot it, do not put a round in the chamber." - Balderson

References:
Balderson, Robert H. COLLECTOR HANDGUNS. House of Collectibles. N.Y., N.Y. 1996.
Hogg, Ian. GERMAN HANDGUNS: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS OF GERMANY, 1869 TO THE PRESENT. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg, Pa. 2001.