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LOT 1460
Excellent V. C. Shilling Model 1896 Number Three Bergmann Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 2333, 6.5 mm cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hardwood grips. Introduced to the market in 1895, the Model 1896 was a
refinement of Bergmann’s semi-automatic pistol designs, integrating feedback on earlier
models to make one of the first commercially successful semi-automatic pistols. Blade front and notch
rear sights, with “278” on the left side of the barrel, “crown/crown/U” proofs. “PATENT/BREVETE/S.G.D.G.” on the
left side of the frame, and the Shilling “mountain man” logo on the right sideplate. Several components have
been individually numbered, indicating their place in the takedown sequence for the pistol. With straw colored
small parts, niter blue safety, and checkered grips.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, minor handling marks and
a small amount of spotting overall. A small patch of cleaned up, shallow pitting is present on the left side of the
frame, partially covered by the thumb safety, 90% of the original straw color is present, and strong niter blue is
visible on the safety. Grips are also excellent, with a few light dings. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1459
Very Scarce V. C. Schilling Bergmann
Model 1896 Number 2 Folding Trigger Semi-
Automatic Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 96, 5 mm cal., 6
inch octagon bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Introduced
to the market in 1895, the Model 1896 was a refinement of Theodore
Bergmann’s automatic pistol design, using a side-opening fixed magazine
mechanism that gave it a distinctive profile and appearance, and was among the first
commercially successful semi-automatic pistols to reach the market. The first iteration of the Number Two used a hinged folding
trigger installed ahead of the magazine, with a long transfer bar connecting it to the rest of the mechanism; unpopular with end users,
a new version of the Number Two with a conventional fixed trigger was released less than a year after initial release. Fixed sights, with
“crown/crown/U” proofs on the barrel, frame, and bolt, “611” on the left side of the barrel, “PATENT/BREVET/S.G.D.G.” on the left side of the
frame, Shilling “mountain man” logo on the right sideplate, and serial number “96” on multiple components.
CONDITION: Fine, with 70% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, minor spotting, and light
handling marks. The grips have chips absent at the front edges, otherwise are very good, with a few dings and some tool
marks on the screw. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500