Gloria
Gregorio Bolumburu · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Gloria Model 1913
Overview
The Gloria is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic vest pocket pistol chambered in .25 ACP, produced by Gregorio Bolumburu of Eibar. Patterned on John Browning's FN Model 1906 vest pocket design, it was one of the many trade-named pocket pistols turned out by the Basque gun trade between the world wars. Simple and inexpensive, it was sold for civilian self-defense and concealed carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 370 g (13.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Barrel Length | 50 mm (1.97") |
| 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 |
| 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: Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Sights, Heel Magazine Release
Production
Production years: 1913-1925
Produced during the interwar boom of the Eibar pocket-pistol trade; exact output unknown.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1925
Notes
One of several trade names used by Gregorio Bolumburu, alongside Deluxe, Giralda, Marina, Regent, Regina, and Rex. Build quality across Eibar-type pocket pistols of this era was highly variable.
Background
During and after the First World War, dozens of small Eibar workshops flooded Europe with inexpensive Browning-pattern pocket pistols under a bewildering array of trade names; Bolumburu's Gloria was one such gun in the smallest .25 ACP vest pocket class.