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LOT 468
Rare Prototype Serial Number “7”
Austro-Hungarian Krnka Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 7, 8 mm
cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This is a example of
an extremely rare early prototype Austro-Hungarian “Krnka” double
action semi-automatic pistol. These pistols were developed by Karel
Krnka a Czechoslovakian engineer and promoted/sold by the Roth
company circa 1895. There are only a handful of these exceptionally
rare pistols known in the world with this one, number “7” probably one
of the earliest known examples. It had some very unique features for the
late 1800s, such as; an internal magazine located inside the grip, that loaded
from the top via stripper clips, has both a double and single action mode of firing with an exposed
hammer and it has a sliding barrel with a rotating bolt with front locking lugs. While this last feature
seems common today, very few pistols have ever used this feature with most of its application being
used on semi-automatic rifles. Each one of these rare pistols, has some slightly different features as
they were constantly being improved/modified as they were being built, on a prototype basis. They
have a 6 inch rotating barrel and bolt assembly inside the upper portion of the frame. Includes a
custom wood case, fitted for the pistol, along with a stripper clip and 10 rounds, a screwdriver, cleaning
rod and key.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored with most of the finish remaining. The grips are fine as
restored with crisp checking. Mechanically excellent. A very rare early, semi-automatic test pistol serial
number “7”!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 467
Desirable and Rare
Presentation Cased Serial
Number 17 Steyr Mannlicher
Model 1894 Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Extra 6.5mm Barrel
- Serial no. 17, 7.6 mm cal., 7 1/4 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. These early large frame pistols were designed by Ferdinand
von Mannlicher and manufactured between 1894-1897. The Mannlicher Model 1894 uses a
novel blow-forward action in what is called a “half automatic” operation mode, and has an internal
magazine that loads through the top of the action via stripper clips. In contrast to most semi-
auto pistols which move the breech while keeping the barrel stationary or semi-stationary,
the 1894 uses a fixed breech block and a barrel which is pushed forward by the forces
created on discharge. When fired, a hold-open connected to the trigger keeps the barrel
forward until the trigger is released; later 1894s would alter this, having the barrel reset
against the breech with no operator action, like a more conventional pistol. It is known
that some of these 1894 pistols were evaluated by the U.S. government as part of the
initial inquiries into a semi-automatic pistol to replace the revolvers in the American service
(refer to page 344-349 of U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920 by Meadows/Ellis). The half moon shaped blade front
sight as well as the thin hammer on this example, serial number 17, are unlike most of the limited other examples witnessed
which have a differently shaped front sight as well as a wider hammer, besides serial number 25 previously sold by Rock Island
Auction (Auction 69, Lot 3268) that also has a narrow hammer. The notch rear sight appears standard. Matching serial number
“17” marked on the left of the barrel housing, frame, barrel assembly, and on a few internal components, with otherwise no
external visible markings. Straw colored hammer and trigger, and fine checkered grips. The bright 7 1/4 inch barrel in the gun is
chambered in 7.6x24mmR and has a serrated cocking knob. Includes a period leatherette display case with fitted blue felt lined
interior housing the pistol, an extra bright 7 1/4 inch barrel chambered in 6.5x23mmR, cleaning rod, screwdriver, six rounds of
6.5x23mmR with one stripper clip, and ten rounds of 7.6x24mmR on two stripper clips.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored by Gale Morgan, retains 99% blue finish and straw colors. Grips are also very fine
as restored, with crisp re-cut checkering and a few minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Case and accessories are also
very fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000