Zehna
Emil Zehner Metallwarenfabrik · Pistol · Discontinued · 1921
Also known as: Zehner Zehna, Zehna 6.35mm, Zehna Typ I/II/III
Overview
The Zehna is a German .25 ACP (6.35mm Browning) semi-automatic blowback vest-pocket pistol produced by Emil Zehner's Metallwarenfabrik in Suhl, Thuringia, from about 1920-1921 until roughly 1927. Its internal mechanism was designed by Louis Schmeisser, while the pistol took its name from maker Emil Zehner. A compact striker-fired pocket automatic weighing around 365 g with a six-round magazine, it competed in the crowded interwar market for inexpensive German 6.35mm pistols and was sold both domestically and for export.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 365 g (12.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Barrel Length | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 232 m/s (761 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 87 J (64 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Cocking Indicator
Production
Estimated total produced: 26,600 · Production years: 1920-1927
Approximately 26,600 produced across three variants, with serial numbers running to about 27,030 (First ~10,000; Second ~12,350; Third ~4,250), per collector references at unblinkingeye.com.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Schmeisser (mechanism); Emil Zehner (maker)
Discontinued: 1927
Notes
Frame markings evolved from "D.R.G.M." to "D.R.P.a.", with the final form reading "ZEHNA CAL. 6,35 D.R.P.a. E. ZEHNER, SUHL". Checkered hard-rubber grips carry an "EZ" monogram. Three production variants are recognised (First, Second, Third), differing mainly in front-plate/barrel retention and disassembly: the First used short front rails, the Second an L-shaped front plate with a slightly shorter barrel, and the Third a transverse frame pin with the serial number moved to the frame. Rust-blue finish with fire-blued small parts.
Background
Emil Zehner was a metalware manufacturer in the historic gunmaking town of Suhl who entered the crowded interwar market for inexpensive vest-pocket automatics. The Zehna's mechanism was designed by Louis Schmeisser of the noted Suhl gunmaking family, but the pistol carried Zehner's name. It competed alongside scores of similar German 6.35mm pocket pistols of the 1920s and is now a collectible curio-and-relic item.