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LOT 3390
Unique Unserialized Prototype Ludwig Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-
Automatic Pistol - NSN, 7.65 mm Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1890s by the German 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 was 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. This example was not finished
and remains “in the white” as an early prototype with no visible serial numbers or proof marks on
the pistol besides the replacement nickel finished magazine with number “41” stamped on the walnut
base. The front sight does not have serrations as typically seen on subsequent production examples, and the rear grip strap has a protruded section with a square cut
hole, most likely intended for a different type of shoulder stock, with an empty threaded hole located on the bottom of the main spring housing. Smooth borders
on the unnumbered checkered walnut grip panels, 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./No75837.” on the front toggle link.
CONDITION: Very good with scattered dark colored light pitting and freckling, bent lanyard loop, some dings and
defined markings and edges in the metal. Grips are also very good with some light wear and handling marks.
Mechanically fine. This prototype Borchardt pistol would make a fine addition to any advanced early
military pistol collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3391
Early Production Serial Number 134 Unrelieved
Frame Swiss Contract DWM Model 1900 Luger
Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no.
134, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round
bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. This is an early
production example bearing serial number 134, one of a
reported 2,000 total Model 1900 Swiss contract Lugers manufactured, and
is one of approximately less than 600 with the scarce early “unrelieved” type
frame, in which the inside right edge of the magazine well does not have a slot
relief cut. The slot relief cut in the frame was implemented in subsequent Swiss
Lugers at approximately the early serial number 600 range under direction of the
ordnance commission, in which they were made to accommodate magazines with a
raised follower button in order to facilitate loading; this early production example uses
an early type magazine with flat follower button. Features fixed blade front and notch
rear sights, Swiss “cross in sunburst” crest on top of the chamber, “DWM” monogram on
the front toggle, dished toggles with toggle lock, a flat breech bolt, grip safety, no stock lug,
and tapered barrel. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, takedown lever, side
plate, trigger, magazine release, toggle links, breech block, grip safety, and interior of the left grip panel, with
replacement right grip panel numbered “28” on the interior. Correct nickel finished flat button magazine with
unnumbered walnut base. Includes a “1918” dated K. Schwarz Eglisau maker marked Swiss military pattern
brown leather holster with leather suspension belt.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% partially restored blue finish (front and rear grip strap), 75% original
straw finish, with some light holster type edge wear and a safety drag line. Grips are excellent with a wear spot
visible on the right and a few minor nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Holster is very fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500