Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This Walther Model 5 from the golden age of European pocket pistols, made between 1913-1923. Two inches of barrel, chambered in 6.35mm (.25 ACP), built for deep concealment when personal protection actually mattered. Walther jumped into the vest pocket market after FN hit big with the Baby Browning. The difference? German engineering in a tiny package. Other makers cut corners for cheaper guns. Walther built these like miniature versions of their full-size pistols.
The production timing tells the real story. Early serial numbers rolled out as World War I started, when German civilians were arming up for an uncertain future. Later ones came during Weimar Republic chaos – hyperinflation and political violence made carrying protection a daily reality. That 6.35mm cartridge was about as small as centerfire got, but it worked and didn’t need a massive grip frame. Hard rubber grips were pure German practicality – lasted longer than wood and gave better purchase on such a small frame. The blue finish held up remarkably well.
The interesting part? This design fed directly into later Walther masterpieces like the PP and PPK. You can see the DNA of German engineering that eventually produced some of the most copied pistol designs in history. These weren’t range toys or curiosities. They were serious tools for serious times.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Walther Model 5 Semi-Automatic Pistol.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5012/974/walther-model-5-semiautomatic-pistol. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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