Echave Arizmendi Vite M1913
Echave, Arizmendi y Cia (Echasa) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Vite, Vite Model 1913, Vite 1913
Overview
The Echave Arizmendi Vite M1913 is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic vest pocket pistol chambered in .25 ACP (6.35mm Browning). Produced in Eibar by Echave y Arizmendi, it was a close copy of John Browning's FN Model 1906 / Colt Vest Pocket design, sold under the 'Vite' trade name. Its diminutive size, light weight, and concealability made it a typical European pocket self-defense pistol of the pre-World War I era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 370 g (13.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 116 mm (4.57") |
| Barrel Length | 54 mm (2.13") |
| Height | 80 mm (3.15") |
| Width | 22 mm (0.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| 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 |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| 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, Grip Safety
- Features: Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Sights, Concealable
Production
Production years: 1913-1920
Small-workshop Eibar production; exact figures undocumented
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Echave y Arizmendi (after John Moses Browning design)
Discontinued: 1920
Notes
Sold under the 'Vite' brand name (alongside the company's 'Selecta' line) and marketed in successive M1913, M1914, and M1915 patterns. Like most Eibar pocket pistols of the period, it drew on the unpatented features of the Browning 1906 in the wake of the 1912 Eibar manufacturers' dispute with Fabrique Nationale.
Background
In June 1912, Echave y Arizmendi was among 14 Eibar manufacturers who met to confront Fabrique Nationale's threats over Spanish pistols that copied unpatented Browning features. The Vite was one product of this prolific Spanish pocket-pistol cottage industry.