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LOT 446
Early Production, Serial Number 25, German Ludwig
Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig
with Shoulder Stock, Accessories, and Case - Serial no. 25,
7.65 mm Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/straw
finish, checkered walnut grips. Manufactured c. 1893-1896
by the firm of Ludwig Loewe (subsequently DWM) in Berlin,
Germany. 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 “Ludw. Loewe & Co./Berlin/1893.” marked on top of the
chamber (writer has not seen this marking before), and the
patent marking “D.R.P./No 75837.” on the front toggle link. 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
fitted leatherette case with green felt lined fitted interior (has
some loose wiring inside the case for an unknown purpose),
a shoulder stock restamped with number “25” to match, with
detachable cheek rest, three extra nickel finished walnut base
magazines (numbered “210”, “935”, and “2871” on their bases),
leather carrying strap, dummy magazine containing a brass
oiler/hammer combination tool, silver oil bottle, Carl Abermann
& Co. labeled Vaseline tin, cleaning rod, screwdriver, punch, and
a period DWM Borchardt manual.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored overall, retains 98% plus blue
finish, 98% niter blue and 98% straw colors on the small parts. The grips are also
very fine, with some light handling marks and a few discreet filled in repairs
visible around the edges. Mechanically functions. Stock is also very fine, with
some light scratches, and much of the blue finish. Case is fine. Manual is very
good with some absent cover pieces, and general age related wear.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000