Liliput Pistol 4.25mm
Waffenfabrik August Menz · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Liliput, Lilliput, Menz Liliput 4.25mm
Overview
The Liliput Pistol is a German ultra-compact blowback-operated semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol made by Waffenfabrik August Menz of Suhl in the 1920s. This variant is chambered for the diminutive 4.25mm Liliput cartridge, making it one of the smallest mass-produced semi-automatic handguns ever built. With a six-round detachable box magazine and a striker-fired action, it was intended purely as a concealable last-ditch defensive arm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 283 g (10.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Barrel Length | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Height | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Width | 18 mm (0.71") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 244 m/s (801 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 25 J (18 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 4.25mm Liliput · primary — also known as 4.25mm Erika, 4.25mm Liliput Auto, 4.25 Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Ultra Compact, Vest Pocket, Concealed Striker
Production
Production years: 1920-1927
Produced in 4.25mm, 6.35mm and later 7.65mm chamberings; the 4.25mm model was the rarest
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: August Menz
Discontinued: 1927
Notes
The 4.25mm version was far less popular than the 6.35mm (.25 ACP) Liliput, as the tiny cartridge offered minimal stopping power. The pistol gained cultural recognition as a concealed weapon in Alistair MacLean's novel and film Where Eagles Dare.
Background
The 4.25mm Liliput cartridge developed only about 17 to 21 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, reflecting the pistol's purpose as a tiny concealable defensive arm rather than a serious fighting handgun. The cartridge first appeared around 1914 for the Austrian Erika pistol before Menz adopted it for the Liliput.