Need info on German pistol
 

Several years back my Father-in-Law gave my wife a pistol. He has since passed away and it is of sentimental value to her. We have not shot it.

It says this: Deutsche Werke Werke Erfurt cal 7.65m/m Ortgies' patent

Can anyone give me any info on this pistol?

The ammo he gave her with it was .32 Auto -- is this the right ammo for this gun?

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

Without detailed pix, any guidance is a shot in the dark...

Does it look like this?

That's it, Robo!

Popular little .32 auto (7.65mm is the Euro designation- metric, y'know) Made in Erfurt Germany. Some were used as secondary martial pistols by the German military in WW II. Value based on condition, but somewhere around $300-$350, more if Nazi marked.

Many thanks, C3. I appreciate the info. That is more $ value than I expected -- but it will never be sold -- it has more sentimental value than anything. My FIL had only one handgun -- that one -- and my wife remembers him keeping it under his pillow or in a sock in his dresser. It brings back memories for her. I wanted to make sure the ammo was correct for it as I think she'll enjoy it if I tell her I took it out to shoot and it worked okay. She doesn't like semi-autos.

BTW -- what do Nazi markings look like?

I'm not expert, or even a layman, and I'm sure there are various different proof markings depending on period and piece. Here is an example of a common marking:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...smBqKrXwL3&t=1

It is called a Waffenampt. Commonly referred to as a NAZI eagle. It is a proof mark or acceptance mark for the military during the NAZI era. Not unlike the "flaming bomb" proof mark on US arms in the 20th century

Y'all are great. Thanks! Off to buy some .32 auto for plinkin'...