I have a Haenel Suhl Schmeisser 6mm (25 auto) cal. pistol that was brought back from Europe after WW2. I wanted to know what rank, were the officers, that were issued this pistol ? The capture papers state that it was taken from a German Officer. Could this have been a last resort suicide weapon ? It came with a leather holster with belt loop. In all of the WW2 pictures I have viewed, I have never seen one worn. Thanks
Probably a privately owned pistol they were made until about 1930 but as far as I'm aware as a commercial venture. Could you put up some pictures of the weapons markings? That would clarify the issue?
Sorry..... don't know. Smith & Wessom man, myself: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/23938-sidearms-who-had-better-weapons.html and these were personal sidearms with which you were supposed to defend yourself if you were dismounted. Fortunately I never had occasion to use one in anger but for a month it was our standard weapon for guard duty. Ron
without a picture to show the markings, i have to agree with jedburgh22. it was most likely a private purchase weapon, many of the german officers did indeed carry pistols that were not military issued.
The capture papers state that it was taken from a German Officer. Could this have been a last resort suicide weapon ? Last resort suicide weapon, not really. No doubt it would be used as such, but suicide didn't play a very important role in the German Army. Pistols were mainly for personal protection and, like Jedburgh and gunbunny said, often privately purchased. *edit* As far as I know - I wouldn't bet on it though - officers generally carried pistols whereas enlisted ranks usually didn't. Not sure about Uffz. :/