Waffenfabrik Steyr Pistol, 5.5 Inch Barrel, 2 1/4 lbs.

In 1821, Leopold Werndl (17971855), a blacksmith in Steyr, began manufacturing iron parts for weapons. After his father's death, 24-year-old Josef Werndl (18311889) took over his factory. On April 16, 1864, he founded the Josef und Franz Werndl & Comp. Waffenfabrik und Sägemhle in Oberletten (Josef and Franz Werndl & Partners Weapons Factory and Sawmill in Oberletten), from which later emerged the Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company), a stock company (AG) since 1869, of which in the future Steyr Arms firearm production was a part.