Pistol · Obsolete
4.25mm Liliput
Tiny semi-rimless centerfire cartridge developed for the Erika vest-pocket pistol — one of the smallest functioning semi-automatic pistols ever made.
- Caliber
- 0.1681″ · 4.27 mm
- Introduced
- 1912
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Self Defense
- Status
- Discontinued
- Introduced
- 1912
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- August Menz
- Manufacturer
- August Menz
- Standard
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 2.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:12
- Primer
- Centerfire
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 25 yd
- Max range
- 40 yd
- Recoil
- 0.1–0.3 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 4.25mm Liliput — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 4.27 | 0.168 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 5.00 | 0.197 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 5.00 | 0.197 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 5.00 | 0.197 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 0.54 | 0.021 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 10.27 | 0.404 | · |
| Overall length | 14.91 | 0.587 | ~ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 4.25mm Liliput is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Connected reference
History
Designed by August Menz for the Menz 'Erika' pistol, introduced around 1912 in Suhl, Germany. The pistol was marketed as a ladies' pocket pistol and key-chain companion. Production was limited to pre-WWI manufacture. Complete examples are very rare; the Erika is considered one of the most charming collector miniature pistols in existence.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 4.25mm Liliput use?
- 4.25mm Liliput typically uses a 1:12 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 4.25mm Liliput?
- 4.25mm Liliput uses a 0.1681″ (4.27 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 4.25mm Liliput still in production?
- 4.25mm Liliput is discontinued; typical availability is antique.
- What is 4.25mm Liliput used for?
- 4.25mm Liliput is primarily used for self defense.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 3 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →