Latest Find!...Walman!!

[Matt Weber]

No, that's not a mis-print in the title! Over the years I've grown a certain fondness of these small "pocket autos". There are litterally hundreds of them, from makers such as: Hugo Schmiesser, MARS, CZ, Krommer, JAGA, Unique, Astra, and "DUO", and many more. The Germans mades tons of them, and today, they are realatively easy, and cheap to find!

Here is one you don't often see though, it's a Walman, 6.35mm auto. It's "Crown/N" proofed, all matching, original finish, and yes, it even has it's original holster with it!!(usually that's the hardest part to find with these small automatics!)

Enjoy,
Matt

[Matt Weber]

Above is the reverse of the holster. Here is the front of the holster.

[Matt Weber]

Left side view of the Walman.

[Matt Weber]

right side view of the Walman 6.35mm.

[Matt Weber]

Close up view of the serial numbers and the Walman patent marking. Serial numbers are all matching of course!

[Matt Weber]

Close up of the "crown/N" proofs on the frame/barrel/slide.

[Douglas Jr.]

Matt,

Neat small pistol indeed! This is kind of a "side collection" as they did not look like military guns (and they were not) but many high end German officers used to carry these "vest pistolen".

I tried to find some addition information on this maker and this model in the Ian Hogg's book "German Handguns" but oddly hadn't find anything... Can you post a better picture of the slide to have a better ideaabout the inscriptions?

Greetings,

Douglas

[Matt Weber]

Thanks Douglas! You're correct. Many High ranking German officers did carry pistols like this. In fact, some collectors today even refer to these as, "suicide pistols", which reflects on thier most often use.

I'll try and post more photos of the slide markings for you. I too, haven't found much information on this maker as well? I know it's a scarce maker, but I'm sure there has to be some info out there on it?

Matt

[Matt Weber]

Douglas,

Here are some more photos of the Walman. I did some research online, and found out some more info on this maker.

Apparently Walman is a Spanish manufacture. They made pistols for the Germans though. (simular to the Star and Astra contracts I'm assuming?)
As you can tell from the photos, the left side of the slide is marked, "American Automatic Pistol Walman Patent", along with some Spanish proof markings. On the right side is the German commercial "crown/N" proofs on the slide, frame, and barrel. From my research this pistol was designed and first built in 1910-1911? However, of course the "crown/N" was not used then, so I'm guessing that this pistol was a later production, probably during WWI, like 1914 or so?

Anyone who knows anything about Spanish pistols of this era, knows that they are very high quality. The Walman is no exception. This pistol is very well made, and has a very innovative take down push button on the right side of the frame. Simply push down on it, and the slide and barrel pull forward, and come off. Then simply pull the barrel out with your finger.

Walman also made several other pistol designs, including a .32cal pistol that looks very simular to the Browning 1910!! I've gotta get one of those!

When I took this pistol apart, I noticed something else. It has assembly numbers on the inside!!! Yes, all parts are numbered "33" on the inside! (see photos!)

If anyone else has any information about this maker, please post!

Matt

[Matt Weber]

Here is the serial number on the barrel, which matches the slide and frame of course.

[Matt Weber]

Here is the assembly numbers that I was talking about earlier. This one is on the barrel "33". Anyone know about these at all?

[Matt Weber]

Here is the internal numbers on the slide, again, "33".

[Matt Weber]

Even the recoil spring guide is numbered "33"!!

[Matt Weber]

closer view of the grips.

[Matt Weber]

And lastly the left side grip.