Horst Held   =   Antique Handguns

 e mail   held@ectisp.net
phone  972-351-8852          fax 972-775-3553
 541 Lynnie Pennie Lane               Midlothian, Texas 76065

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Bergmann pistol

see Handguns of the World by Edward C. Ezell,
pages 366  - 377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rare Bergmann Patent Model 1896 Semi-Automatic Pistol Model 4
serial # 2370, rare and unique caliber 8mm Bergmann. From this model are less than 200 pieces made, and after the 2 world wars are only very few remaining. On the right side is the maker's symbol "a Bergmann" (mine worker)and inscription GAGGENAU V.C.S. SUHL (Gaggenau is the town in Wűrttemberg where the pistol is produced, V.C.S. = Valentin Christian Schilling is the famous producer seated in Suhl)
The left side of the barrel is marked with a "crown / "crown/U" proof mark,  "156/14" and the same double crown over "U" proof mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug.  On the left side of the frame is stamped "PATENT / BREVETE / S.G.D.G.". The right front of the frame is marked with the serial number. # 4 and 11 are part numbers.
Blue finish with straw colored small parts, integral lanyard ring on the butt, and fitted with checkered walnut grips numbered to the gun. Produced contemporary to the Borchardt pistol, the Model 1896 was a very early commercial semi-automatic, which integrated a 5-round stripper magazine and a blowback driven mechanism.
Very fine condition with 85% original blue finish remaining, some thinning to a smooth gray patina on the barrel, a mottled grayish brown on the back strap, high edge wear. Almost all of the original straw colors remaining on the small parts and most of the original bright nitro blue finish remaining on the safety with loss due to normal usage. The grips are excellent with a few chips on the checkering, mild wear and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.     $8,750.

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