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LOT 1392
Dreyse Model 1900 Mannlicher Semi-
Automatic Pistol, Serial Number “144”
- Serial no. 144, 7.63 mm cal., 5 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue
finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured c.1900-1901, the 1900 Dreyse Mannlicher bears most
of the features of later production fixed magazine Mannlicher pistols, while also having earlier attributes such as a rear
sight mounted on the chamber hood instead of the slide, a retention screw for the sideplate assembly, and a large manual
safety mounted on the left side. The backstrap on this pistol was originally cut for a shoulder stock, but a filler block has been
professionally installed. Blade front and notch rear sights, the latter mounted on the chamber hood and nested into the clip guide,
with the “MUN. & WAFFENFABR. SOEMMERDA A.-G. vorm. v.DREYSE” address on the rib, “PATENT MANNLICHER.” on the left side of
the slide, “crown/crown/U” proofs on the barrel, chamber hood, and slide, and matching numbers on multiple parts, including the grip
screws, inside the grip panels in pencil, and on the sideplate retention screw. Fitted with straw finished small parts and a pair of finely
checkered grips.
CONDITION: Very good, with 70% of the faded original blue finish, showing bright wear on the high edges, a brown and gray patina on the sideplates, a few dings on
the gripstraps, and minor spotting and handling marks overall. Grips are fine, with a chip and internal cracking on the left panel and mild dents on the otherwise sharp
checkering. Safety needs work, otherwise mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 1391
Attractive Gold
Damascened Automatica
Espanola “Bufalo” Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Pearl
Grips - Serial no. 5325, 7.65 mm auto cal., 3 1/2 inch
round bbl., gold damascene finish, pearl grips. This pistol is
based on John Browning’s designs and was manufactured in Spain c. 1910-
1928, reportedly by Gabilondo y Urresti. It features beautiful Spanish damascene designs and pearl
grips. The left side of the slide has “AUTOMATIC ESPANOLA -PATS 62004 Y 67577/’Bufalo’ CAL 7.65” and
proofs. The inside of the slide at the rear is numbered “909” or “606.” The right side of the frame has “5325”,
and the butt to the left of the magazine is marked “MADE IN SPAIN”. It is being de-accessioned from the
famed George F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago (reference number 1982.2950).
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% plus original gold and dark blue/black finish remaining, and fairly minor
age and handling related wear. Aside from a crack in the left grip, the grips are very fine and have attractive natural iridescence and minor
wear. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The George F. Harding Jr. Collection; The Art Institute of Chicago.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500