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LOT 3435
Scarce Steyr-Mannlicher Model 1896/03 Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Matching Magazine - Serial no. 334, 7.63 mm Mannlicher
Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. Designed by
Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher in 1896, and often referred to by collectors as
the Model 1896/03 since the first examples were not introduced onto the market until 1903. This is the
second version of two developmental versions, with the earlier blow back operated Model 1896 featuring
a fixed magazine, while the Model 1896/03 features a six-shot spring-loaded detachable box magazine and locked breech
operating mechanism. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, extension machined for used with stripper clips, Swiss “BP” (Benerprobe) proof
marked on top of the barrel knox, and matching visible “334” serial numbers on the barrel, extension, magazine catch, and trigger. Fitted with a pair
of checkered walnut grips with matching “334” serial numbers stamped on the interiors and a blued magazine with four witness holes on either side and
matching “334” serial number on the base plate.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% plus original blue finish and traces of original straw colors with some mild edge wear, thinning focused on the barrel
and front of the frame with both grey and brown patinas, some scattered minor patches of visible spotting/
freckling, and scattered light handling marks. The
grips are very good with numerous handling
marks in the otherwise defined checkering.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3434
Rare Bergman Model 1897 “No.5” Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Matching Magazine - Serial no. 280,
7.8 mm cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured c. 1897-1898 as one of approximately 1,000 of the Bergmann
Model 1897 “No.5” pistols produced. It was Bergmann’s first locked breech pistol design, developed
for use with a more powerful 7.8 mm bottleneck cartridge similar to the 7.63 mm Mauser Auto in hopes of securing a military contract.
Features a fixed blade front sight on the barrel shroud, elevation adjustable notch rear sight on the frame (graduated from 100 to 1,000
meters), “PISTOLET BERGMANN/PATENT BREVETE S.G.D.G.” marked on top of the bolt cover, commercial “crown/crown/U” proof on the
left of the frame, serial number on the right of the fame, five magazine witness holes machined into both sides of the magazine well, a
mounting eyelet for a shoulder stock at the base of the grip frame, along with niter blued and straw colored components. Fitted with a
pair of “B” logo checkered hard rubber grips and a blued magazine with matching “280” serial number on the underside.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus blue finish, 75% plus niter blue finish, and 65% straw colors with
some minor edge wear, brown patina visible on the rear sight and bolt, some scattered
light scratches and handling marks, some thinning with grey patina on
the backstrap, and minor handling wear. The grips are also very fine
with some minor handling marks in the otherwise defined checkering
and logos. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000