Czech WWII F. Dusek Duo .25 ACP Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1115
Make: Frantisek Dusek, Opocno, Czech Republic
Model: Automat. Pistole “Duo”
Serial Number: 103136
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .25 ACP (6.35 Browning)
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “AUTOMAT. PISTOLE “DUO” CAL. 6.35 / F. DUSEK OPOCNO” and with a Lion superimposed over an “N” proof mark over “44”. The right side of the slide is marked “103136”. The barrel is also marked with a Lion superimposed over an “N” proof.
Barrel Length: 2 1/8”
Sights / Optics: The sight on this pistol consists of a “U” groove in the top of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are reddish brown plastic with a basketweave pattern. “DUO” is marked in a circle at the top of each grip. The grips show a few very light handling marks with some deeper marks through the “DUO” on the right grip. There is a hair line split at the rear of each panel connecting to the screw hole. The basketweave pattern does not show any wear. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition and would rate higher if not for the splits.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with shallow yet defined rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some tiny little nicks and fine scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is some very faint thinning on the leading edges of the slide. The slide serrations are sharp. There is light operational wear. The grip screw is lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety below the slide on the left side that can also be used to lock the slide open a small distance. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of two blued 6-round magazines and a black leather holster. The holster has a bit of pink discoloration on the top flap and creases throughout with intact stitching.
Our Assessment: This is a cute little automatic pistol based on the Browning 1905 Vest Pocket pistol design except that it doesn’t have a grip safety. From https://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/2CZ25s/2cz25s.html: Frantisek Dusek was a gunsmith in Opocno who refused to manufacture weapons for the Austro-Hungarians during WWI and the Germans during WWII. He began making pistols with parts obtained from Slavia pistols when their factory went out of business in 1935 and by 1938 was making his own pistols under the name DUO. The Nazis took over his factory and continued to make Duo’s during WWII. His factory continued making pistols until 1948 when the Communists nationalized the factory and later moved production to CZ. This appears to be a very well made little pistol. It retains about 97% of its original finish, and is in about Fine-Plus condition with some thinning on its edges, light handling marks and a scattering of pinprick surface erosion. This pistol should appeal to collectors of European firearms – it certainly wasn’t made in the same quantity as those of Colt and Browning. If the collectors aren’t interested, someone will find themselves with a very concealable little pocket pistol with a great bore that should easily last for another 65 years if properly cared for. Please see our photos and good luck!
