Delu Pistol
Fabrique d'Armes F. Delu & Cie · Pistol · Discontinued · 1908
Also known as: Delu 6.35mm, Delu .25 Auto
Overview
The Delu Pistol is a Belgian 6.35mm (.25 ACP) blowback-operated semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol made by Fabrique d'Armes F. Delu & Cie of Herstal/Liege. Closely patterned on the FN Browning Model 1906, it was produced in two 6.35mm models differing mainly in the safety lever, including an early luxury version with engraving and mother-of-pearl grips. The grips carry the maker's 'CFD' monogram.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 332 g (11.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — 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
- Features: Fixed Sights, Checkered Grip Panels, Cfd Monogram Grips
Variants
- Pieper-Delu - Successor Assembly
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Production years: 1908-1914
Small Liege workshop output; components later reused in the Pieper-Delu assembly from 1921
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Felix Delu
Discontinued: 1914
Notes
Delu (Felix Delu) was registered at the Liege proofhouse from 1911 to 1914 and remained on the register until 1940 without testing after 1914. Sources differ on some fine details (magazine capacity and firing mechanism); dimensions follow the FN 1906 pattern it copies.
Background
The Delu was one of countless Liege-made copies of John Browning's FN Model 1906 vest-pocket pistol, turned out by a small workshop that also built the German HEBEL signal pistol and held ten firearms patents.