This is a very fine example of an early Erika model semi-automatic pocket pistol designed and manufactured by Francois Pfannl in Austria in 1912. The pistol was produced until 1926, with an estimated 3,500 manufactured in total; however, they are very rarely seen today, especially in the US due to import restrictions. The pistol is a blowback operated design with the recoil spring mounted above the barrel and is chambered for the very unique 4.25 mm cartridge. It has an unconventional design/shape with the magazine directly behind the trigger, in front of the very small grip with the magazine release mounted on the back strap. The shape of the pistol looks unusual, but it is a very comfortable pistol and certainly very compact easily fitting in the palm of an average hand. It is approximately 4 1/2 inches long and 3 1/2 inches tall. It has fixed sights, a two-position safety and has black plastic checkered grips marked with an intertwined "FP" at the top of each grip. It is serial numbered "1434" on the right side of the frame and the magazine. This design was eventually licensed to George Grabner of Rehberg who produced it as the "Kolibri" model pistol.

Excellent with 90% plus of the blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some thinning on the grip straps. The grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct checkering and markings on the sides. Mechanically fine. A very scarce example of an early Austrian Erika pistol.