Walther LP53-type air pistols (x2)

Walther LP53-type air pistols (x2) 

With thanks to Eberhard, John G and Don R.

Larry H adds;

@johng 

John:

It apparently seems likely that Don's "LP53 Repeating clone" example and Beeman's example as shown in your 2nd Edition on page 442 are from the same maker (unknown country?). They seem to be slightly different in several respects which are clearly visible when viewed together in a recent impromptu hotel room photo examination. Besides the obvious slightly different exterior size, different grip angle and checkering (Beeman's checkered example has a more vertical grip angle similar to a Colt 45), the revolver type repeating drums are quite different in loading and function.

Don's example has an enclosed "cylinder" which is loaded via 4 holes in the back of the receiver and is advanced internally upon cocking. Beeman's specimen has an "exposed cylinder" for loading which utilizes an external pawl for advancement upon cocking the action. Both mechanisms are beautifully constructed and well-finished.

Also, both pieces are wonderfully executed and built like proverbial tanks. It would be great if any further information were ever to surface about their origins.

Eberhard speculated:

I believe that these air pistols come from a Czech development.
There are or were apparently many different development departments in the country.
And the quality ranges from functional samples to pre-series samples.
See some examples:

John G responded:

Eberhard,  I know the guns you mean and they certainly have many features in common with the above two butt-cylinder pistols.  Two closely relaed examples are discussed in the Encyclopedia of Spring Air Pistols on pages 73-74, and fortunately in this instance they are well marked.  They were made by Czech Arms, Starkinika.  The first one pictured below was called the CZ 238, and is a repeater, but unlike the above pistols it has a gravity-fed magazine under the barrel, which holds 20 shot.  The second pistol shown below was called the CZ 277, and is a single-shot version.  Both of these guns had a calibre of 4.5mm. They date to about 1945-47.

Eberhard replied:

The models CZ 238 and 277 are well-known spring air pistols, probably only manufactured once each.
My pictures are of CO² pistols,although I could only find two images of the lower Brno air pistol, unfortunately no details about the technology.