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LOT 3369
Excellent German Ludwig Loewe Model 1893 Borchardt Semi-Automatic Pistol with Three-Digit Serial Number - Serial no. 749, 7.65 Borchardt Auto cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1890s by the firm of Ludwig
Loewe (later DWM), the Model 1893 was the work of Hugo Borchardt, formerly the Superintendent of Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, and was among the first viable semi-automatic pistol designs to hit the commercial market. The Borchardt pistol is also an important forerunner to the work of Georg Luger, who would refine the core mechanical principles of the Borchardt to make his own eponymous and world famous handgun. Fixed blade and notch sights, with “WAFFENFABRIK/LOEWE/BERLIN.” marked on top of the chamber, “SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT.” on the right of the frame, and the patent marking “D.R.P./No. 75837” on the front toggle link. A series of “(crown)/ letter” (B, U, and G) proofs are present on the barrel, barrel extension and toggle assembly, with the “172,28” bore diameter on the left side of the barrel and matching external serial numbers. Niter blue and straw colored small parts, with smooth borders on the finely checkered hardwood grip panels. Matching serial numbers visible on various components including the inside of the grip panels and the walnut base of the nickel finished magazine. Includes a modern case with keys, one 7.65mm Borchardt cartridge, a reproduction Borchardt combination cleaning rod and oiler with magazine- shaped wooden storage case, and a brass oiler.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus original blue finish with a few areas of light finish wear, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. 70% plus original niter blue finish on the small parts. The grips are also excellent with some light handling marks and a small compression dent visible on the middle of the right grip with otherwise defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500