Deutsche Werke Ortgies Serial Numbers

Can anyone tell me a date for a ortgies.32 stamped Germany (import model) S# 1500XX? The old Gun Digest article traces serial numbers to some extent Attached.

Jim K, is that another gun that was forced to use a strange grip retention system because of John Browning's patents? Or was that only in the USA? Oh, and yes, Fatstrat, links to other forums are OK as far as I know. Only sales links are restricted. PS - this place: claims to have Ortgies grips, including wood ones.

I cannot vouch for them in any way. (I should add that this pistol is better known as Ortgies, rather than Deutsche Werke.

Ortgies was the original manufacturer, who was bought out by Deutsche Werke.). • The Firearms Forum is on online community for all gun enthusiasts. Join us to discuss firearms of all kinds, gun accessories, legal issues and more.

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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”.

The flats on the underside rear of the slide are marked “135220”. The grip panels also have 'Couchant cat' logos in brass. Fajl licenzii k tirika magazin. 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”. 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.

Manual auto service manuals. 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.