Description

FÉG Femaru M37 Pistol (Pistole 37u)

Hungarian-Made WWII Sidearm Used by Nazi Germany and the Kriegsmarine

The FÉG Femaru M37, also known as the Model 37 or Pistole 37(u), is a compact semi-automatic pistol produced in Hungary by Fémáru Fegyver- és Gépgyár (FÉG) from 1937 onwards.
Originally designed for the Royal Hungarian Army, the pistol became widely issued to German forces during the Second World War, including some use by the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. Its solid construction, ease of handling, and reliability made it a practical and respected sidearm for officers and naval personnel alike.

Historical Background

When Hungary joined Germany as an Axis ally, the FÉG factory supplied large numbers of the M37 pistol to the Wehrmacht under wartime contracts. In German service, it was officially designated Pistole 37(u), the “u” standing for Ungarn (Hungary).

The weapon quickly gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy despite its small size. Compact enough for concealed or holstered carry, it was particularly suited to officers, aircrew, and naval ratings who required a dependable personal defence weapon rather than a front-line combat pistol.

Design and Operation

The Femaru M37 is a simple blowback-operated, single-action pistol firing from a seven-round magazine. It was engineered for robustness and straightforward maintenance, typical of pre-war Hungarian firearms design.

Key features include a fixed barrel for greater accuracy, slide-mounted safety, and fixed front and rear sights. The pistol’s relatively low recoil, combined with its compact steel frame, made it easy to handle and shoot accurately, even in challenging conditions.

Technical Specifications

German Contract and Markings

German-issued versions of the Femaru M37 can be identified by distinctive markings. Most are stamped “Pistole M 37 (Kal. 7.65)” on the slide and bear the Waffenamt inspection marks associated with German acceptance. Wartime FÉG pistols were also marked with the “jhv” manufacturer code.

Earlier production examples often feature a high-polish blued finish, while later wartime pistols display a more utilitarian matte blue or phosphate coating. These subtle variations are important indicators for collectors and historians seeking to authenticate their examples.

Use by the Kriegsmarine

Although the majority of M37 pistols went to the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe, a smaller number found their way into Kriegsmarine stores. Naval-issued examples were generally of high manufacturing quality and occasionally bear naval acceptance or depot markings. Such pistols are scarce today, making them particularly sought-after among collectors of German WWII sidearms.

Well-preserved examples continue to attract strong demand in the militaria market, representing an accessible yet historically rich addition to any WWII firearms collection.