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LOT 1368
Extremely Rare and Historic Early
Production Serial Number 19 Ludwig
Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-
Automatic Pistol Rig Complete with
Matching Shoulder Stock, Four Matching
Magazines, Accessories and Case Inscribed
to John Lewis Childs, Entrepreneur and
Founder of Floral Park, New York - Serial
no. 19, 7.65 mm Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock,
walnut grips. This exceptional serial number
“19” is possibly the earliest known, all original,
unaltered and complete cased Borchardt pistol
rig that is in existence today. This beautiful
example includes the original matching
wooden shoulder stock, the original black
leather holster, four matching numbered
original walnut based magazines, carrying strap, spare dummy magazine with brass
oiler on the end, original silver oil bottle, screwdriver, and the original black leatherette
carrying case that houses the pistol, stock, and accessories. It also includes a walnut
cheekpiece numbered “351” on the backside. This cased Borchardt is without a doubt
the earliest most fully complete Borchardt pistol rig that we’ve ever had the pleasure to
offer for sale. This outstanding early production example was very likely a special order
gift or a private purchase, as the top of the lid has a small oval silver name plate that
has been nicely inscribed in a jeweler’s/presentation style with “J.L Childs/Floral Park/L.I.”
(Floral Park, Long Island). The overall condition and originality of the pistol itself and the
various accessories is outstanding and would be nearly impossible to upgrade or improve
on. These Model 1893 Borchardt pistols were the true forerunner of the world famous and
historic Luger pistol. The Borchardt pistol employed the unique toggling breech mechanism
which was eventually adopted and refined by Georg Luger and was used throughout
production of the Luger pistol from 1900-through 1942. The right side of the barrel extension
is marked “SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT.” with the top of the toggle mechanism carrying the
German patent markings of “D.R.P./No. 75837”, and the chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK/
LOEWE/BERLIN”. The left side of the breechblock, toggle mechanism and barrel extension all have
the early German commercial proofs consisting of a crown over “B” and “U”, with the left rear section
of the barrel marked with crown over “B”, “U”, and “G” proofs over “172,28”.
J.L. Childs