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LOT 3446
Desirable Schwarzlose Self-Loading Model 1898 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine, Serial Number
“97” - Serial no. 97, 7.63 mm cal., 6 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Developed in the 1898 and
manufactured in the early 1900s, the Schwarzlose self-loading pistol was the work of Andreas Schwarzlose, a weapons
designer predominantly famous for his work in the machine gun field. At its core, the pistol is built around a novel short recoil
action, with a rotating bolt assembly interfacing with the breech to achieve lockup. Additionally, the Schwarzlose uses a striker
fired mechanism, detachable magazine, and a hold-open mechanism; while today these features are virtually ubiquitous
on semi-automatic pistols, for the time they were cutting edge technology. Firm data on total production is limited, though
reportedly a large acquisition (as many as 1,000) was made by would-be Russian revolutionaries c. 1905, who got busted at
the border and had their pistols confiscated and reissued by Imperial Russian frontier troops (see “Handguns of the World” by
Ezell, page 153). High blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight with adjustment drum graduated from “1”
to “5”. German “crown/crown/U” proofs are present on the barrel, bolt and frame, and matching “97” serial numbers are visible
on multiple components, including the bolt, striker, magazine, and the interior of the finely checkered grip panels.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, with 98% of the high polish blue, showing minor wear under the controls and
along the high edges, minor spotting, and light handling marks. The small parts retain over 80% bright straw color, with some
fading on the striker. The grips are also very fine, with some minor dings and crisp checkering. Mechanically needs adjustment.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
Serial Number 97