Garate Anitua Express
Garate, Anitua y Cia · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915
Also known as: Express, Garate Anitua Express 32
Overview
The Garate Anitua Express is a Spanish blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP, produced in Eibar by Garate, Anitua y Cia under the 'Express' brand name. A Ruby-pattern Eibar-type pistol derived from the Browning Model 1903 layout, it was built for the export market in the early 20th century and marketed as a small, concealable self-defence sidearm. Like many inexpensive Eibar pistols of the period, it used soft steel and relatively crude finishing, which gave it a reputation for unreliability and parts breakage.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 860 g (30.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 85 mm (3.35") |
| Height | 112 mm (4.41") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 190 J (140 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Concealed Hammer
Service history
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1915-1936
Production ended with the disruption of the Spanish Civil War; exact figures unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
Slide markings typically read 'F.A.M. GARATE ANITUA & CO. EIBAR / THE BEST AUT. PISTOL EXPRESS FOR 32 CAL / MADE IN SPAIN'. The 'Express' name was sometimes paired with the 'Danton' branding on closely related models.
Background
Garate, Anitua y Cia was one of many Eibar-region gunmakers that mass-produced Ruby-pattern .32 ACP pistols to meet wartime Allied demand during World War I, exporting large quantities primarily to France and later the United States under brand names such as 'Express'.