Retolaza · Pistol

Retolaza 1914

Name: Retolaza 1914
Brand: Retolaza

Blowback (semi-automatic) · .32 ACP · introduced 1914

Also known as Retolaza Liberty 1914, Liberty Model 1914, Vilar 1914

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About the Retolaza 1914

The Retolaza 1914 is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP, manufactured by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar. A close copy of John Browning's FN/Colt Model 1903 pattern, it was one of the many 'Ruby'-type pistols produced in the Basque Country during World War I and purchased in large quantities by the French Army to address sidearm shortages. Like most Eibar trade pistols of the era, it was inexpensive but of modest quality.

During WWI, France's urgent need for sidearms led it to contract dozens of small Eibar workshops, including Retolaza Hermanos, for blowback .32 ACP pistols based on Browning's 1903 design. These interchangeable 'Ruby' pistols armed French troops despite uneven quality and inconsistent magazine compatibility between makers.

Retolaza 1914 specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Action: Blowback (semi-automatic)
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single action
Calibres: .32 ACP
Magazine capacity: 9 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 83 mm (3.3 in)
Overall length: 151 mm (5.9 in)
Weight (empty): 0.79 kg (1.75 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Slide: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 282 m/s (925 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 188 J (139 ft·lb)
Effective range: 25 m

History

Introduced: 1914
Discontinued: 1936
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: ES
Designer: Retolaza Hermanos

Features

Fixed sights
Browning 1903 pattern

Safety

Manual safety

One of numerous Spanish 'Ruby'-pattern 7.65mm pistols. Retolaza marketed near-identical designs under names including Liberty, Vilar, Paramount, Titan, and Titanic. Build quality was generally considered poor.