Mystery Pistol?
 

Anyone have a clue what this thing is? Supposedly in .30Luger, marked "D. Lapanne.....its ugly enough to be French
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=400915072

I don't know what it is...But I want one! :D

Those pictures are begging for a caption, like "Nambu meets Webley", or "Alcohol may have been a contributing factor" :D

I would guess, just from the number of slotted-head screws, that this is a home-built or prototype. Possibly made for patent purposes.

Unusual shape. Blow-back is kind of odd for a pistol this big.

Appears to be well made. :)

Not sure I'd want to fire a straight blowback in .30 Luger caliber. I'm guessing there is some sort of mechanical lock or delay mechanism.

Anyone notice the "mum" loading button on the mag?

Better still, try to imagine those slide sides and guide rod flying back like fork tines over your wrist trying to stab you every time you fire.

The slide sides are so thin that even a slight bend in them would put this pistol out of action. The design is so poor I would have guessed it was French without being told.

This pistol was discussed over at Gunboards a few months ago. At the time the current owner that has it listed, I think bought it off of Gunbroker. It is a cool looking pistol and I do believe it is a handmade one off.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?341699

Here is the discussion thread