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LOT 3403
Rare Swiss Waffenfabrik Bern P47 Experimental Prototype Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 51, 9 mm parabellum cal.,
4 5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. This rare experimental prototype W+F Bern P47 pistol is one of only approximately 10 examples manufactured circa 1947, with intent for use in Swiss military trials in the second half of the 1940s in
the search for the standard service pistol. The P47 utilizes a gas- delayed blowback action, in which gas ports are located in front of the chamber area on the underside of the barrel that leading to a hollow cylinder that acts on the face of a piston that holds the slide shut when filled with gas. Once a bullet leaves the muzzle, then the slide is able to move rearwards using inertia. In essence, the slide is delayed from opening in order to mitigate recoil. After trials, the P47 lost out to the SIG P47/8; which would subsequently be adopted as the P49 and offered commercially as the P210. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with some light finish loss on the grip straps. Grips are also very fine with a few light scratches, and defined edges.
Mechanically excellent.
Collector’s Fact
This rare experimental prototype W+F Bern P47 pistol is one of only approximately 10-15 examples manufactured.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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