Archived-NOT FOR SALE
German SS Belt Buckle
(Koppelschloßpistole) Gun

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Very Rare and Unique Nazi multi-shot 5.6mm (.22 cal) belt buckle gun. There is a long and varied history of these non-standard guns know as SS-Waffenakademie Koppelschloßpistole (Belt Castle Gun).  Invented by Louis Marquis while in a WWI POW Camp and received a patent for a similar design in 1935.  (1211)

 

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon.  Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

According to our research the bizarre Koppelschloßpistole (belt buckle pistol) was developed by the SS-Waffenakademie at Brünn (Brno). there were at least two versions for wartime use. One was a two barrel design in 7.65mm and the other was a 4 barrel design in .22 cal or 5.6mm. The special belt buckle was fitted with a spring loaded cover. When activated (e.g. by pressing a catch on the buckle or by pulling a string when the wearer was ordered "hands up!"), the cover would open up, revealing the barrels loaded with cartridges. These immediately fired on some test model or could be individually fired by the triggers. The belt was intended to be issued to agents as a last-ditch self-defense weapon to avoid capture. In January, 1938 Marquis receives a patent for " as a container qualified castle buckle for belt and belt ". Only twelve (including prototypes and test models) were reportedly manufactured, and they were probably never used in combat.  

Functioning: By simultaneously squeezing the top and bottom levers on the right side of the picture the barrels (made from a solid block of steel) is spring loaded to swing open, pushing up the front cover and is ready to fire.

Pressing the triggers discharge the gun or by pressing on the Barrel Release Lever one can push the barrels back into the case, cocking the triggers and proving for the reloading of the gun.

The Eagle (Alder) on the front plate appears to be one from the officer's cap. This really brings attention to the belt buckle and makes it unusual with one familiar with the German WWII buckles. It obviously was not designed to be worn in combat but perhaps under the great coat where it could be concealed until time of need.

You can see the serial number 5/C on most of the major parts of the gun. On the left side is the lever you push to put the barrels into the load/ready position.  On the right side is a lever on the top and bottom which pushed simultaneously bring the gun into battery and ready to fire.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Buckle #5/C is available for sale and #1/L is SOLD. We are presenting pictures for comparison and study and hoping to bring comments from anyone with knowledge of this unusually firearm.  The are no long restricted as Class III weapons and are available as a C&R.

Careful comparison for these two 5.6mm Koppelschloßpistole reveals a similarity in the design but a sufficient variation to suggest they were each individually machined. The serial numbers appear in approximately the same locations and the proofs appear the same but the grooves cut in the barrel release show a different pattern and the screws on the #5 gun were mortised while the #1 gun the screws are flush. Just a bit more machining on the #5 indicates the guns were being improved as they progressed.

It appears that Marquis was at some time in 1943 was assigned to a Berlin agency where his work came to the attention of the SS Polizei whose commander was the Interior Minister, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler 1936-1939, Chef der Deutschen Polizei.

It has been stated that in 1943 Himmler ordered Marquis to make examples for his review and in 1944 production was begun in various samples in both 7.65mm and 5.6mm for the SS. How many were made?  In the 1960's it was said that the widow of Marquis thought five examples were made before the facility they were making them in Berlin was bombed and destroyed. She stated no production of the belt castle gun went into effect.

 

A detailed picture of the barrels in battery and the machining on the triggers that match the other levers on this model.

The top of the gun is very similar wit the except of the milling of the barrel release lever.
Here is he back of the #5 For Sale gun.

Here is the back of the #1 Serial numbered gun; screw placement is different and the number is on the opposite side.

 

Here are the two weapons side by side with some slight variation in the cover.  #1 on the right has a different design on barrel release to load and close the gun while the #5 gun on the left has a thinner lever and the screws on top are now mortised into the frame to make it smooth; obviously an improvement as they progressed. Below bottom looking at extended barrels.

It is entirely subjective to give any weapon a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few war time weapons are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.  We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria.

Serial #5/C on the left show the barrels out of battery for loading the SS Koppelschlosspistole while the right #1 gun depicts the gun in batter with the spring opener and each of the triggers and springs.

 

This very unusual gun will only appeal to the sophisticated collector who deals in the unusual Nazi era weapons.         

 

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