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LOT 1385
Unserialized Tool Room Prototype German Ludwig Loewe Model 1893
Borchardt Semi-Automatic Pistol with Extensive Documents - NSN, 7.65
mm Borchardt Auto cal., 6 1/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, smooth walnut
grips. Manufactured c. 1893 as an early unserialized tool room prototype 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. This tool room prototype Borchardt pistol has a provision
for a sling swivel on the rear, where a stock lug is typically found on standard
production examples, no markings or proofs, with bright metal components,
fixed blade and notch sights, walnut grip panels, and a bright magazine with a
walnut base. Includes a period DWM Borchardt manual in French, The Gun Report
monograph about the Borchardt pistol from February, 1941, seven Sharps Rifle
Company paychecks addressed to Hugo Borchardt dated between July 22, 1876,
and March 31, 1879, and a March 1878 dated letter with Sharps Rifle Company
letterhead addressed from Hugo Borchardt to Sharps President E.G. Westcott.
CONDITION: Very good, with scattered dark colored light pitting, freckling, and
defined edges in the unfinished metal. Grips are also very good with some light
handling marks. Magazine has a few cracks and repairs on the base. Sear plunger
is sluggish; otherwise, mechanically functions. This tool room prototype Borchardt
pistol would make a fine addition to any advanced early military pistol collection!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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