German SUHL pocket gun

Question

SUHL Pocket gun   This gun is 4.25inches long, looks like 25cal, has SUHL on a crest on the bottom of the handle and SAS on the both sides of the handle. Looks like it holds 4-6 shots. I have attached a photos. Thanks, John

Answer
Hello John Dunzelman.
  The pistol you show and describe, was manufactured by August Schuler in Suhl, as shown by the 'ASS' on the grip panel. It was developed after WWI, but before WWII. It is 'NOT' a firearm. It will 'NOT' fire live ammunition. It was made to fire blanks to startle an attacker, or to fire a tear gas cartridge into the face of an attacker. This gave it the name 'Lacrimae Pistol', which in German means 'tear gas'. The cartridges were about the size of a .25 caliber. Six of these cartridges were loaded through the top. The slide was then pulled back to load the first. To fire, the safety had to be off and the trigger had to be pulled all the way back. The gas pressure from the spent cartridge would eject it and load the next. It is 100mm long and weighs about 270 grams.
  This would be the equivalent to our 'MACE' canisters we carry for protection, and there were about as many manufactured. Although this may be the case, this is the first I have seen. Probably since there has been no cartridges available since the 1950's. As far as a value, I have no idea. You might try collectors of flare, signal or non-lethal defense weapons.
  I have enjoyed researching this pistol for you and I hope this has answered your question. Thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage