Schwarzlose self-loading semi-automatic model 1898, serial # 186,
This is a fine example of a rare all original, unaltered 1898 Schwarzlose self-loading semi-automatic. It was designed by Andreas Schwarzlose, Suhl, Prussia, who is most noted for his early water cooled machine gun designs. Any of these early semi-automatic pre-1899 pistols are extremely rare and this specific Schwarzlose pistol could almost be considered a prototype in design as so few were ever produced. During this time there were numerous companies attempting to produce semi-automatic pistols, only a handful would actually be successful . The functioning of this model is based on what is terms a rotating bolt mechanism. This pistol has a one-piece bolt that actually has a series of locking lugs which surround the bolt head itself that are matched by a similar designed breech end of the barrel. When a cartridge is fired, the pressure of the cartridge actually drives the barrel slightly rearward, which in turns pushes the entire bolt rearward to start the unlocking sequence, which in turns extracts and ejects the cartridge. The rear of the receiver has a small lug pinned in place in the center that fits into a race-way or track on the underside of the bolt, that actually rotates the bolt itself, as it moves rearward. It fires the 7.63 Mauser cartridge and has a machined steel clip that loads through the butt of the pistol. It has a double cocking levers on the rear end of the bolt with a striker acting as a loading indicator on the rear of the pistol. It is fitted with a high front sight and a rotating/adjustable rear sight that is graduated from 1-5 (100-500 meter). The right side of the barrel, upper receiver and bolt all have the 1891 period German "Double Crown/ U" proof mark. It is serial numbered on the lower receiver, trigger, magazine bolt and striker. It is fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips and originally it probably had a rust blued finish with a straw colored trigger, cocking indicator and two large levers on the left side. For a pistol produced in 1898 with a radically new design or operating system this pistol actually looks like a real semi-automatic pistol.
In good working order and fine copndition.    $27,500.

FYI  

# 363 with attachable shoulder stock