Clement Model 1912
Charles Ph. Clement · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1912
Also known as: Clement 1912, Clement Automatic Pistol Model 1912
Overview
The Clement Model 1912 is a Belgian blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol designed by Charles Ph. Clement of Liege. It marked a fundamental redesign of his earlier reciprocating-breechblock pistols, being the first Clement to use a conventional slide with the recoil spring mounted beneath the barrel and a front-mounted barrel locking system. Striker-fired with a true disconnector that prevents firing out of battery, it was produced as a larger Type I chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP) and smaller Type II and Type III models in 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP), all fed by a 6-round detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
- .25 ACP — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Disconnector
- Features: Slide Action, Under Barrel Recoil Spring, Front Barrel Locking, Concealed Striker
Variants
- Clement Model 1912 Type I - Caliber Variant
- Clement Model 1912 Type II - Caliber Variant
- Clement Model 1912 Type III - Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market · adopted 1912
Production
Production years: 1912-1914
Small-scale Liege workshop production across three types; serial range approximately 12,077-45,282
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Charles Ph. Clement
Discontinued: 1914
Notes
Type I (.32 ACP) featured a milled area on each side of the frame and nine slide serrations, while the .25 ACP versions used finer triangular-cut serrations. Recorded serial numbers span roughly 12,077 to 45,282 across the three types. Production wound down around the German invasion of Belgium in 1914.
Background
Unlike Clement's earlier pistols, which dropped a light reciprocating breechblock out of the frame for takedown, the Model 1912 finally adopted a true slide with an under-barrel recoil spring and a disconnector that locked out the striker whenever the action was out of battery.