Make: Deustsche Werke
Model: Ortgies Small Frame
Serial Number: 128958
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1921-1923
Caliber: 6.35mm (.25 ACP)
Action Type: Striker Fired Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol
Barrel Length: 2 5/8"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a fixed U-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece smooth wood with Deutsche Werke medallions. The grips have fairly even light handling wear with some small nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is infrequent, very faint oxidation. There are a few small marks. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: A single 7-round magazine is included.
Our Assessment: The Ortgies is a semi-automatic pistol that was designed by Heinrich Ortgies during WWI, first patented in 1916. The gun is based on the FN Model 1910 which was designed by John Browning. Production of Ortgies' namesake pistols began in 1919 with three distinct variants being made during the gun’s time on the market; one chambered for 6.35mm (.25 ACP), one chambered for 7.65mm (.32 ACP) and one chambered for 9mm Short (.380 ACP). Ortgies was not able to sustain his company for long and sold his patent and machinery to Deutsche Werke AG in 1921, the company continued to produce the pistols until 1923 when it was determined the gun violated the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty restricted the production of large caliber handguns and, since the gun could be chambered for 9mm if it was rebarreled, Deutsche Werke was forced to end production of an otherwise successful handgun. The pistol enjoyed international success when it was in production; the Finnish, Dutch and Czechoslovakian police adopted the 7.65mm caliber variant of the gun in limited numbers and it was a popular commercial firearm on the civilian market in the United States, even being carried by John Dillinger.
This particular specimen is a small-frame .25 ACP model and has survived the last century quite well. The pistol retains the great majority of its original finish, a nice bore, and serial-matching parts. It will make a nice addition to a pocket pistol collection and may still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
