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LOT 1504
Excellent Three-Digit Serial Number German Ludwig Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi- Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine - Serial no. 236, 7.63 mm Borchardt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1890s by the firm of Ludwig Loewe (later DWM), the Model 1893 was the work of Hugo Borchardt, formerly the superintendent of Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, and was among the first viable semi-automatic pistol designs to
hit the commercial market. The Borchardt pistol is also an important forerunner to the work of Georg Luger, who would refine the core mechanical principles of the Borchardt to make his own eponymous and world famous handgun. Fixed blade and notch sights, with “WAFFENFABRIK/ LOEWE/BERLIN.” marked on top of the chamber, “SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT.” on the right of
the frame, and the patent marking “D.R.P./No. 75837” on the front toggle link. A series of “(crown)/ letter” (B, U, and G) proofs are present on the barrel, barrel extension and toggle assembly, with the “172,28” bore diameter on the left side of the barrel and matching external serial numbers. Niter blue and straw colored small parts, with smooth borders on the finely checkered hardwood grip panels. Matching serial numbers visible on various components including the inside of the grip panels and the walnut base of the nickel finished magazine. Included with the lot is a modern reprinted copy of the English language version of the Borchardt manual.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some light spotting, edge wear, and handling marks. 70% of the bright niter blue color and 80% of the straw colors are present, and the grips are also excellent with a few light dings. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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