Wischo-KG Erlangen Model 11; .25 caliber (6.35 mm) semi-automatic

[frostydog3]

Greetings,

I am trying to narrow down the manufacture date of this Wischo-KG semi-automatic pistol. Proof marks exist above and to the right of the serial number-the one on the right says “65” in the middle. Can anyone familiar with these guns tell me if this confirms the date of manufacture?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

It is of that era, possibly later-into the 1970s.

 

[T. O'Heir]

Supposedly made sometime in the 60's or 70's. Wischo wasn't the maker. They were just the German dealer/exporter. Supposedly no more imports after the GCA of 1968. Low quality and considered a "Saturday Night Special".
Triple K Manufacturing in California is showing they want $38 for.

 

[James K]

Post WW-II German proof marks include the year of manufacture, which in this case is (19)65.

That was one of several low cost and poorly made pistols imported from Germany in that era. Most were made of cheap zinc alloy and originally sold at a factory price of around $2.50 (retail, in the U.S., was as low as $10), hardly examples of the best German arms making traditions.

Jim

 

[Jim Watson]

Yup.
As Henry Stebbins wrote, the German is an excellent craftsman. He is also an excellent businessman. Sometimes the latter gets in the way of the former.

 

[James K]

Don't forget that those guns got their start in the bleak and bitter years after WWII, when Germany was in desperate need for hard currency, gun makers and tools were all over Germany, and the U.S. (and other countries) had few import laws. Every German who managed to feed his family on his own was one less who needed American aid, and if he did that by making cheap guns - well that would be a problem for later.

Of course, the Germans recognized (probably better than anyone) that the guns were junk and the Germans themselves, brought up with pride of craftsmanship, despised them. But when pride meets hunger, hunger wins, every time. So the little guns came in by the ton, and tons are still around, in junk boxes, and closet shelves, and car trunks, and back closets. Tons have broken or been scrapped, or tossed into "buyback" bins or seized from criminals, young and old. And they are still around.

The self-proclaimed "moderate" and "sensible" people who propose that every gun be seized and every gun owner executed surely do have their work cut out for them..

Jim

 

[smee78]

Looks like a neat addition to a small gun collection, these little guns are interesting due to their place in the history of the world and production.