Page 373 - 4090-BOOK1

LOT 491
Extremely Rare Prototype Steyr-Hahn Model 1911 Serial Number “1” Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 1, 9 mm Steyr cal., 5 1/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut checkered grips. This is an outstanding, serial number 1, example of a super rare, highly desirable, original 1912 dated Steyr-Hahn Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol. The Steyr Hahn was originally introduced as a commercial pistol, but was quickly adopted by the Austro-Hungarian, Chilean, and Romanian militaries. This design was actually very unique, in that it has a solid milled frame with an internal non-detachable magazine loaded via stripper clips through the top of the gun. It is a blow-back operated design with a rigid frame, a rotating barrel, and chambered for the powerful 9 MM Steyr pistol cartridge that is slightly longer than a standard 9 mm Parabellum cartridge. The rear left side
of the slide is marked “STEYR 1912” followed by, “MOD.
1911”, with a capital letter “S” stamped on the rear left
end of the slide. There is a serial number “1” stamped on
the left side of the frame and slide. The rear underside
of the slide is also stamped “3589” which may have been
a contract number. It has beautifully checkered walnut
grips and a rust blued finish overall with the small parts
and screw having a straw color. The front lower grip
strap has a bumped out extension of the frame which is
not found on the later production examples. An original
example of an extremely rare, early Steyr-Hahn, serial
number “1” semi-automatic pistol.
CONDITION: Excellent with 97% of the original blued
finish overall with a hint of edge and high spot
wear. The grips are also excellent with
nice sharp checkering on both
sides. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
371