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LOT 3478
Early Production Three-Digit Serial Number 102 Ludwig Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Shoulder Stock - Serial no. 102, 7.65 mm Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1890s by the 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 toggle lock system to make his own eponymous
and world famous handgun. 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./No. 75837” on
the front toggle link. A series of “(crown)/letter” (B, U, and G)
proofs are present on the barrel, barrel extension and toggle
assembly, with the “172,28” bore diameter on the left side of
the barrel and matching external serial numbers. Niter blue
and straw colored small parts, with smooth borders on the
finely checkered hardwood grip panels with the matching
serial number restamped on the insides and restamped on
the walnut base of the nickel finished magazine. Included
with the lot is a shoulder stock with detachable cheek rest, both
stamped with number “69”. Per the consignor, the pistol
was restored by Gale Morgan.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% plus
professionally restored blue finish with
some flaking on the toggles, 98% applied
niter blue and 80% straw finish on the
small parts. The grips are also very fine
as professionally refinished, with some
light handling marks and a few discreet
filled in repairs visible around the edges.
Mechanically excellent. The stock is also very
fine with some light scratches, and nearly all of the
professionally refinished blue.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
Hugo
Borchardt