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LOT 3438
Rare Imperial German Schlegelmilch Prototype Double-Action Mechanical
Repeater Pistol with Case - Serial no. 21, 7.5mm cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/straw
finish, walnut grips. Designed by chief armor Louis Schlegelmilch of the Imperial German Spandau
Arsenal c. 1891 as a prototype repeater, utilizing an internal five-round box magazine and a novel
horizontal moving breech block actuated with a manual double action. Approximately 20 of these pistols
were manufactured in two different versions, with this example serialized “21”, as a potential replacement
for the Model 1884 Reichsrevolver and tested in a series of trials, headed by the Imperial Germany Army
from 1891 to 1892, however the trials did not impress Imperial German officials and it was never put
into large scale production. Two other examples are also known of at the time of writing, including serial
number “13” of similar configuration and another of the different configuration in the collection of the
Koblenz museum in Germany. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, unique “square bolt”
headed screws, a left-side mounted Reichsrevolver pattern safety lever, lanyard loop at the base of the
grip frame, niter blue finished small parts, straw colored trigger hammer, and breech block, along with
a connection point for an included cleaning rod on the left side of the frame as well. Produced without
visible proofs or manufacturer’s markings, except for the serial number “21” marked on the left side of the
frame and top of the breech block, along with the numbers “1” through “5” marked on the right side next
to a magazine indicator lever. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips. Includes a leather wrapped
display case fitted to the pistol and the aforementioned side-mounting cleaning rod that doubles as a
compatible screwdriver.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as professionally restored, retaining 97% plus blue, 95% plus niter blue
finish, and 90% straw colors with a minor safety drag line, some limited minor edge wear, some silvering
on the front of the trigger and side of the cleaning rod, some plum coloration to the magazine and safety
levers, limited fading on the sides of the frame, and otherwise limited handling evidence. The grips are
very fine with crisp checkering and rich oiled finish. Mechanically functions. The case is very fine. A rare
opportunity to own an example of this very scarcely encountered and mechanically perplexing Imperial
German prototype repeater from just before the turn of the 20th century!
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
Serial Number 21