Deutsche Werke Ortgies Model 1920 .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1921-1924 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 210926GY05
Make: Deutsche Werke
Model: Ortgies Model 1920 Large Frame 3rd Variation (https://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/Ortgies/ortgies.html)
Serial Number: 26855
Year of Manufacture:1921-1924
Caliber:.380 ACP (9mm Browning Short)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Ortgies-Patent / Deutsche Werke Aktiengesellschaft Berlin”. The right side of the slide is marked with a “Crowned N” proof. The dust cover is marked “26855”. The barrel at the port is marked “CAL. 9m/m.”. The left side of the chamber and the right flat on the underside of the slide are marked “26855” and “R”. The left side of the frame just below the barrel chamber is marked “R”. The firing pin housing is marked “X”.
Barrel Length: 3 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the base formed on the back of the slide. There is a shallow groove that spans the length of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut with a brass medallion at the top of each grip marked with a “HO” monogram (Heinrich Ortgies) and with a wide ring around the outside of the medallion (early style). The grips show scattered light draglines and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 91% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the backstrap and at the front edges of the slide. There is some light oxidation on the backstrap as well. There are faint little nicks and scratches throughout. There is light operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol was not designed with a magazine disconnect, but does have a type of grip safety. See below for more info. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of two magazines and a holster.
Our Assessment: From Wikipedia: “The 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 large frame Model 1920 3rd Variation pistol is in about fine condition with 91% of its finish remaining. Its serial numbers are all matching, and it comes with 2 magazines and a holster. This pistol should be of interest to collectors as it was only made for 3 years by Deutsche Werke – production being forced to stop due to the Treaty of Versailles. There are enough variations in slide markings and calibers to make an entire collection of just Ortgies pistols. Please see our photos and good luck!