History:
Beginning in 1934 the Modell 1919 got slightly redesigned. The main changes were done in the shape of the grip frame, which became more curved for better handling, as well as an enlargement of the striker pin, which tip looked out at the rear side of the slide, indicating the loaded system.
Following the custom at that time in Italy, the year of production (like e.g. 1940) was not only marked in common way, but also with Roman letters (like e.g. XVIII), starting with the year 1922, when the Fascist regime began. This marking system, however, was dropped again by the end of World War II.
At the time of production this Model not yet had an official factory designation, as it was considered to be an enhanced Model 1919. In order to tell it apart from Models 1934 and 1935, which were in line already that time, it was called Model 318 later on. Export models for America were also sold with the names "Panther" and "Bantam".
Die numbering started around 600.000, where there were some overlaps and transitions patterns to the Model 1919.
Production went from 1934 up to 1945, where estimated 55.0000 pcs. were made.
Technical Data:
SYSTEM: self-cocking pistol with inertial system and striker
CARTRIDGES : 8
CALIBER : .25 ACP
BARREL LENGTH : 60 mm , 6 grooves right hand twisting
WEIGHT EMPTY : 380 g
TOTAL LENGTH : 116 mm
TOTAL HEIGHT : 90 mm
TOTAL WIDTH : 23 mm
TRIGGER : Single Action
SIGHT : fixed
SAFETY : safety-lever and grip safety
FINISH : blued
GRIPS : metal and hardrubber