LSB#: 161207JJ04 Make: Deutsche Werke Model: Ortgies Model 1920, 6th Variation Solid Frame Serial Number: 135220 Year of Manufacture: 1921-1923 (Caliber:.32 A.C.P. (7.65mm Browning) Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Deutsche Werke”, a “Couchant cat” logo, and “Werk Erfurt.”. The right side of the slide is marked “Ortgies’ Patent”.
The top of the slide behind the port opening and the right side of the frame both have a “Crowned N” proof. The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard is marked “135220 / Germany”. Pistols made with the “Germany” marking were intended for export. The barrel at the port is marked with a “Crowned N” proof and “Cal 7.65m/m”. The left side of the barrel is marked “135220” and just below this on the frame with a circled “R”. Visual database designer. The flats on the underside rear of the slide are marked “135220”.
The grip panels also have 'Couchant cat' logos in brass. Barrel Length: 3 3/8” Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “U” groove with a 'V' cut, in the base formed on the back of the slide. Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut with a brass medallion on each grip. The medallion shows a crouching cat with a long tail shaped to form a “D” using the body of the cat as the left side of the “D”.
Deutsche Werke guns are plainly marked and will bear the designation “Ortgies’ patent” and have a very art-deco looking couchant cat design on both the grips and the slide. Up for sale is a nice used (96% overall condition) Ortgies Vest Pocket Auto Model (Manuf. By Deutsche Werke A. From 1921 to 28) semi-auto pistol in 25 ACP cal.
The grips show oil staining and mild handling marks. The grips rate in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition. Type of Finish: The finish is blued. Finish Originality: The finish is original. Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish.
There is thinning on the edges of the slide and frame. The grip straps have handling rub wear to bare metal with spots of light erosion. The right of the slide by the ejection port shows a series of small tool marks. A few dings are found on the rear metal surfaces. The overall metal finishing and lines are highly retained, this is a very attractive pistol for its age.
The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a grip safety that, once depressed, allows the trigger to actuate, with the grip safety de-cocked (via left side frame button), one cannot pull the trigger.
The slide fits tight to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. See Assessment for operation of safety.
This design does not have a magazine disconnect. Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a nickel plated 8 round magazine. The upper edge of the spine is marked with an “R” inside a diamond and the floorplate is marked with a circled “D” logo and CAL 7,65”.
The magazine shows minor wear and natural verdigris, it is in about Excellent overall condition. Our Assessment: From Wikipedia: “The Ortgies pistol was produced in 6.35 mm, 7.65 mm, and 9 mm variants. Although not expensive, at the time it was of advanced design and high quality construction with relatively few parts and well-sealed against dirt. Metal components were forged or machined, and assembly in general made no use of screws, even securing the wooden grips with metal clips. The hammerless action depended on a spring-loaded striker to fire the cartridge. Unusual design features included the safety and the multi-caliber magazine.
The safety was a lever inset into the back of the grip and, with the gun cocked, forced backward out of the grip into the 'safe' position by spring tension from the firing pin upon depression of a button under the slide. Thus, engaging the safety simultaneously reduced tension on the firing pin spring. To disengage the safety, a shooter simply would squeeze the grip, pressing the lever forward and locking it flush with the back of the pistol. The Ortgies was a well-balanced, sturdy weapon that found considerable favor in competitive shooting.
In 1921, prize winners at some 70% of principal shooting competitions had chosen Ortgies 7.65 mm pistols, and the winner of the German championship on September 26, 1921, at Halensee, Germany, took the prize firing an Ortgies. At the other end of the user spectrum, outlaw John Dillinger carried an Ortgies.”. This is a very uniquely made pistol that is in about Fine condition with about 80% of its original blued finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This Model 1920 is a 6th Variation based on its markings.