Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
German Ortgies Automatic Pistol
Artifact IDMO 1945.21.9
Object Type
Pistol
Gifter
Elliott Roosevelt
Designer
Heinrich Ortgies
(German, 1870 - 1937)
Maker
Deutsche Werke
(German, 1925 - 1945)
Dateca. 1919-1921
Mediummetal, wood
Dimensionsoverall H 3 3/8 in x W 5 1/4 in x D 1 in (8.6 cm x 13.3 cm x 2.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA 6.35mm German Ortgies automatic pistol with wood-faced grip with the inlaid brass insert of the German Heinrich Ortgies, "HO." A crown over "N" proof mark is found in several places on the metal surface. Inscribed on the underside of the barrel: Germany / 22331. Engraved on one side of the barrel: DEUTSCHE WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT - WERK ERFURT / ORTGIES' PATENT. The safety is inset into the back of the grip. The pistol has a removable metal magazine.
Historical NoteIn January 1943, FDR was reunited briefly with his sons, Elliott and Franklin, Jr. (who were serving in America’s military), during the Casablanca Conference. Elliott gave his father this 6.35 mm German Ortgies automatic pistol—taken from a captured German officer. It is on display in the LEADING BY EXAMPLE exhibit in the Museum’s WORLD WAR II gallery.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on September 28, 1944. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view
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