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LOT 325 Exceptional DWM Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-Automatic Pistol with Accessories - Serial no. 1865, 7.65 Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Developed by Hugo Borchardt and manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Company (later consolidated under Loewe’s Deutsche Waffen und Munitionfabriken holding company), the 1893 Borchardt was among the first semi-automatic pistols to arrive on the market. Borchardt’s design introduced many mechanical principles and design concepts that would be revisited and refined by Georg Luger to make the famous “Pistole Parabellum” Model 1900, essentially making the Borchardt the forefather of about half a century of European military and commercial handguns. The most critical feature taken up by Luger was the 1893’s toggle-locked short-recoil action, which gives the pistol its distinctive profile. Blade front sight and “V” notch rear sight, with the patent mark “D.R.P./No75837.” on the front toggle link, “SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT./DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN./BERLIN.” on the right side of the receiver, and a set of “crown/letter” proofs on the barrel, chamber and toggle assembly. Installed on the front link is an asymmetrical smooth cocking handle with a spring loaded safety latch; intended to reduce the risk of premature unlocking, Luger would integrate a similar lock into the 1900 but eliminate it as redundant in later models. The small parts are finished in yellow straw or niter blue colors, with a set of checkered grips with smooth borders and a nickel finished magazine with matching numbered hardwood base. Included with the pistol is a magazine-shaped wooden block (to hold the breech open for cleaning), two flat-head screwdrivers (one small jeweler-style, one larger), an oiler, and 11 rounds of ammunition. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, bright edge wear and mild handling marks. The straw components are slightly faded and have turned a smooth gray, while 70% plus bright niter blue remains on the other components. The grips are very fine with scattered dings. Accessories are very fine. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 326 Interesting and Very Rare European Luger/Borchardt Style Francotte Single Shot Target Pistol - Serial no. 2152, 22 LR cal., 10 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This single shot .22 LR pistol has a manually operated toggle lock bolt that resembles a Luger or Borchardt pistol of the time, and is attributed to being manufactured by Francotte. German commercial crown proofs marked on the frame and barrel. CONDITION: Fine, retains 85% period refinished blue finish overall with some areas of light pin-prick pitting visible underneath the finish. 40% straw finish remains on the trigger. Grips are also fine with some scattered handling marks and scratches, and mostly defined checkering. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
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