The Walther Model 1 and 2 were German, semi-automatic, 6.35-mm pistols produced before World War I. These early designs of semi-automatic handguns were conceived for low-power cartridges and they were fitted with a blowback-type ejection system. Model 1 was designed in 1909 and it had no special features which distinguished it from the common blowback .25-caliber ACP semi-automatic pistol. When mass production began in 1910, it was simply called "Deutche Selbstlade Pistole Walther" (German Self-loading Pistol Walther). Its recoil spring was located above the trigger guard under the barrel, while the slide was cut away to expose the front part of the barrel.
In 1913, Carl Walther Waffenfabrik's factory announced the design of Model 2, which would be released in 1914. This was an attempt to improve the Model 1. They did that by replacing the recoil spring with one which was concentric with the pistol barrel. A removable barrel bush held the concentric recoil spring and it also served as a demounting catch, similar to the .45 Colt 1911 pistol. An odd cocking indicator was incorporated in the rear sight, which operated as follows: when the gun had a round in the chamber, the sight was in a raised position, indicating that it was ready to use. But when the chamber was empty, the sight became flush with the slide.
The great success of the Walther Model 1 and 2 pistols resulted in the design of a third variant: Model 3. The new version was outwardly similar to Model 2, however it was of heavier construction and it was chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge (7.65-mm x 17-mm).
Specifications (Model 1)
Type: semi-automatic pistol
Caliber: 6.35-mm - Browning (.25 ACP)
Weight: 0.368 kg (13-oz)
Length: 11 cm (4.375 inches)
Barrel Length: 5.33 cm (2.1 inches)
Operating System: blowback
Trigger: single-action
Feeding System: 6-round detachable magazine.
Sights: fixed iron
Frame: steel
Grip: hard rubber
Safety: cross-bolt
 |
| Above, Model 1 pistol. Left side. Notice the external trigger bar and the Walther emblem on the grip. |
 |
| The right hand side of Model 1. |
 |
| Above, Walther Model 2. Left side. |
 |
| Right side of Model 2 |