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LOT 435
Excellent Antique Westley Richards &
Company Retailer Marked Mauser Model 1896
Cone Hammer Broomhandle Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Matching Shoulder Stock - Serial
no. 4110, 7.63 mm cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hardwood grips. Founded in 1812, Westley Richards
& Company is one of the most famous names in the British firearms
trade, both making and retailing a number of prominent firearms to a variety of sportsmen, adventurers,
military men and general citizens. They acted as one of the primary agents for Mauser firearms at the
turn of the 20th century. This pistol was manufactured in 1897, and was for the time top of the line
personal firepower, which could have ended up virtually anywhere in the British Empire or beyond in the
hands of someone who felt the need for an advanced personal defense weapon. Blade front and 1000-
meter tangent rear sights, with the top of the chamber marked “WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N”,
the left side is marked with a “crown/crown/U” German test proof, and an Oberndorf antler proof on the right
flat. Matching numbers are present on the frame, bolt, hammer, follower, floorplate, and the interior of the 23-groove grip panels. The left side of the frame is engraved “WESTLEY
RICHARDS & CO” in the center milled panel. With a matching number shoulder stock, which bears traces of a paper label on the left side.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, with mild spotting concentrated on the grip frame, some shallow pitting under the grips, bright edge wear and mild handling marks. 60% of the
original niter blue finish is present on the small parts, bright on the remainder. Grips are very fine, with some light dings, and the stock is fine with mild dents and scuffs on the wood and spotting and a
brown patina on the mounting hardware. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 434
Scarce DWM Model 1908
Bulgarian Contract Luger
Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Holster - Serial no.
654, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. This is an
exceptionally fine example of a DWM Model 1908 Bulgarian contract Luger
pistol. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 of these pistols were ordered
by Bulgaria in 1910 and 1911. They were all delivered in two different serial
number blocks, those being 1-5000 and 1C-5000C. This specific pistol falls very
early in the first serial number block, being serial number 654. Although produced in
fairly large numbers, these are an extremely difficult example to obtain in unaltered condition as they
saw heavy use in both Balkan Wars and two World Wars. The chamber area is roll marked with the DWM
monogram, while the simplified rampant lion Bulgarian crest is on the front toggle. Additionally the lower
rear grip strap of the frame has the distinctive movable lanyard loop. The right side of the barrel extension is
stamped with a single “Bulgarian Rampant Lion” acceptance/proof mark. Both the extractor and lower safety
lever area of the frame are marked in Cyrillic. The magazine well has a discreet import mark. The full serial number
is stamped on the front of the frame and the underside of the barrel, with the partial serial number “54” stamped on
various small parts. It is correctly fitted with a set of unnumbered, checkered walnut grips. It comes with one original
tin plated magazine with a wooden base that is numbered “1321” laterally across the base. Includes an unmarked
correct pattern leather holster and a walnut stand.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish and 50% of the original straw colors with the balance
having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, most noticeably at the muzzle and on high spots, and a few scattered patches
of very light surface pitting. The grips are very good with a few scattered minor blemishes and flat spots and otherwise crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with mild wear.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000