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LOT 3482
Attractive Engraved and Silver Inlaid V.C. Shilling Model 1896
Number Two Bergmann Semi-Automatic Pistol with Presentation
Case - Serial no. 1093, 5 mm cal., 3 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber
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. A contemporary of the Mauser Broomhandle and
Loewe Borchardt, the Bergmann design used a novel integral magazine
with a large swiveling access door on the right side for clip loading. Fine
decoration work has been performed by a retailer on this example (most
likely in South America), with combined line and zig-zag borders applied
on many parts to create individual panels, floral motifs engraved on and
around the screws, and repeating motifs of silver inlaid scroll and floral
work. The Shilling “mountain man” logo has been positioned on the left
side of the magazine, and set in a silver inlaid vine wreath, and a textured
panel on the top of the backstrap. Border and scroll engraving has been
performed on the hammer and trigger, with the latter also sharply
checkered on the face. Fitted with a set of matching numbered checkered
hard rubber grips with raised “B” emblems at the top. Included with the
pistol is a presentation case with green lining, with space for the pistol and
the included screwdriver, barrel rod and oil bottle.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the period retailer applied blue finish,
with areas of minor spotting, some thinning to a gray patina, edge wear
and handling marks. The Shilling logo is a bit faint at the top (possibly from
a factory mis-strike), and the engraving is sharply executed. A few areas
of the silver have been cleaned to a gray patina, though the majority has
taken on a deeply aged color, giving it a very subtle character against the
strong bluing. 50% of the straw colors are present on the small parts. Grips
are very good, with a few scuffs and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case
is good, with some ink stains inside the lid, damage to the latch hardware,
and mild scuffing and wear.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500