The Ortgies semi-automatic pistol, available in several calibres, takes the discussion beyond Deutsche Werke's shipbuilding. Heinrich Ortgies designed the weapon during the First World War, began manufacturing it afterward, and transferred production to Deutsche Werke in 1921. Its success in competitive shooting and the influence of its unusual safety and magazine features made it important to later pistol design. The example shows the breadth of the firm's arms production.
Notable Point · 34:00-37:20
The Ortgies pistol and Deutsche Werke's arms portfolio
A detour into the Ortgies pistol reveals how the same industrial concern associated with cruisers also produced an influential interwar personal weapon.