I wonder how many of these are around?
It was brought over here from Italy by my great grandfather in the early '20's (1920's) and from what I've been able to find it is a pistol used by the French after they became occupied by the German's during WW1.
They were manufactured by many company's in Spain and have a variety of markings all over it. It is a .32 caliber (7.65) semi auto pistol, has a 9 round magazine. The barrel is replaceable and removes easily, with the action open, turn the barrel 90 degrees, pull forward, turn back 90 degrees and it slides out.
The markings are such,
-7.65 1916 MODEL AUTOMATIC PISTOL-
                "BRUNSWIG"
Also has Eu on the rear left side and on the barrel, visible thru the ejector opening, is the word "Hope" in a fancy scroll with a small FG and a crown symbol.
A very heavy weapon and shoots very accurately.
Anyhow, was just curious if anyone has one of these type pistols,
Bob

G&A or some other of the gun rags did an article on them quite a few years ago. IIRC, it's available online. I'll post what I remember. Keep in mind, it's all from memory and I may have some details wrong.

During WWI, after things settled down to trench warfare, the French decided the wanted more pistols. A LOT more pistols. They contracted with the gun makers in Spain (Eibar region, IIRC) for simple, Browning-type pistols, mostly in .32. The Spanish gun companies then contracted out manufacture of most of the parts in order to keep up with the French orders. Parts, including slides and frames, were contracted out to LOTS of smaller companies and people, including people filing them by hand out of cheap, soft steel in their living rooms and home workshops. This went on for several years, with millions of pistols being delivered. They were cheap, soft steel and parts interchangeability was non-existent, since a lot of them were made, literally, by hand. But, they helped keep the French a viable force during several years of trench warfare.

After WWI, again IIRC, the French collected the "Ruby"-type pistols (as these guns were collectively known, regardless of the make stamped in the gun) and refurbished those that were worth it. With little or no parts interchangeability (including magazines) between individual pistols, I'd bet it was an unmitigated nightmare. I honestly don't know if they sold the guns off or if they stayed in inventory and were brought out again for WWII, but a lot of them were brought home by US GIs after WWII.

As a whole (based on what I have read), if you get a good one, they should shoot fairly well, although for how long would be anyone's guess, since they were largely made from questionable, soft steel on unknown origin. Their only saving grace was that, to shoot .32, they didn't have to be the strongest gun in the world. Parts, including magazines, are almost impossible to find. If yours is a family heirloom, keep it in good shape, maybe shoot a few times it to make sure it shoots, then put it up. If it breaks, you're SOL for parts.

Bub75

Thank you Bub,
this is mostly what I have found out through web research, yes most parts of it have "file" marks on them. And it does shoot very well, but will not cycle soft point type ammo, though FMJ's do great.
I have found a source in Spain that sells new magazines, but as you said , they may or may not fit.
It is a very heavy pistol for its size and does shoot  very good, but does at times spits powder back at you (my wife won't shoot it because of that).
It hasn't much value except to me and it will be passed down when I'm gone.
Bob

You're welcome, creeperbob. These types of guns fascinate me. Cheap, cranked out by the millions, incompatible parts, yet they helped save France from the Huns. If you can, please post a pic of yours. I know they came in several different magazine and barrel lengths. The sad part is that they often looked good on the outside, as long as you didn't look too deeply. Too bad they didn't put as much effort into the innards as they did the outside.

Bub75

Say Bub, I'm new to this forum. I don't know how to post pics yet. If you could  would you tell me how to post and where to post pics.
Thanks, Bob

Not too bad. First, you have to go to a site like Photobucket.com. There is a button to let you upload the pics once they are downloaded to your computer. You have to know where they are on your computer; for example, I always save my pics under "My Photos" in Windows. After they are uploaded, you can click on the pic in Photobucket and you will see a link on the right side under, "Links to share this photo". Copy the "IMG" link, then paste it in your reply to this thread. Photo should show up when you hit "Submit". Its a lot harder than it sounds and, once the photo is uploaded, it takes longer to read it than it does to do it.

Bub75

Ok,,,