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LOT 1425
V. C. Schilling
Bergmann Model
1896 Number 2 Folding
Trigger Semi-Automatic Pocket Pistol -
Serial no. 37, 5 mm cal., 3 inch octagon bbl.,
blue finish, walnut grips. Introduced to the market
in 1895, the Model 1896 was a refinement of Theodore Bergmann’s automatic pistol
design, using a side-opening fixed magazine mechanism that gave it a distinctive profile and
appearance, and was among the first commercially successful semi-automatic pistols to reach
the market. The first iteration of the Number Two used a hinged folding trigger installed ahead
of the magazine, with a long transfer bar connecting it to the rest of the mechanism; unpopular
with end users, a new version of the Number Two with a conventional fixed trigger was released
less than a year after initial release. Fixed sights, with “crown/crown/U” proofs on the barrel,
frame, and bolt, “611” on the left side of the barrel, “PATENT/BREVET/S.G.D.G.” on the left side of
the frame, Schilling “mountain man” logo on the right sideplate, and checkered grips.
CONDITION: Fine, with 40% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray and brown patina,
mild spotting, edge wear and handling marks. Grips are also fine, with some light dings. Hammer does not
consistently engage at full cock, otherwise mechanically functional.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1424
Bergmann Mars Model 1903 Semi-Automatic
Pistol in 9mm - Serial no. 502, 9 mm cal., 4 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, laminated grips. A contemporary
to the DWM Luger and the Mauser Broomhandle pistols,
the Bergmann Mars was the predecessor of the Bergmann-
Bayard pistol. The Mars saw relatively limited adoption as a
military arm, being accepted but not fielded by the Spanish,
on order with Greece but undelivered before World War One broke out, and successfully
adopted by Denmark. Fixed blade front and notch rear sights, with “CAL.9.” on the left side of the
receiver, “crown/crown/U” proofs on the barrel, receiver, bolt and frame, and “BERGMANN/MARS/
PAT. BREV./S.G.D.G.” on the locking block. Fitted with a straw finished hammer and trigger, niter
blue safety and locking block, and custom checkered hardwood grips.
CONDITION: Fine, showing 90% period refinished blue, with some areas of plum patina, edge
wear, spotting and handling marks. The grips are very good custom replacements, with sharp
checkering and a few dings. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1423
V. C. Schilling Model 1896
Number Three Bergmann Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Desirable Westley Richards
& Co. Merchant Marks and Box of 8mm Ammunition -
Serial no. 1438, 6.5 mm cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Introduced to the market in 1895, the Model 1896 was
a refinement of Bergmann’s semi-automatic pistol designs, integrating feedback on earlier
models to make one of the first commercially successful semi-automatic pistols. Blade front
and notch rear sights, with “278” on the left side of the barrel, “crown/crown/U” proofs, “PATENT/
BREVETE/S.G.D.G.” on the left side of the frame, and the Schilling “mountain man” logo on the
right sideplate. Several components have been individually numbered, indicating their place in
the takedown sequence for the pistol, “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO” engraved on the left side of
the frame. Straw finished small parts, niter blue safety, and matching numbered checkered grips.
Included with the pistol is a full box of 50 rounds of 8mm Bergmann ammunition from DWM in
Karlsruhe; these cartridges are not compatible with the pistol.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered
spotting, and mild handling marks. Grips are fine, with a slight overhang at the rear and minor dings. Mechanically
excellent. The ammo box shows minor wear, with the contents in good order.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1426
Fabrique Nationale Model
1899/1900 Transitional
Model Semi-Automatic
Pistol - Serial no. 476A, 7.65
mm auto cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber
grips. Manufactured from 1898-1909, the pistol later designated
the Model 1899 and Model 1900 was then more commonly
known as the Browning Pistol, after its inventor, John Moses
Browning. Browning, already a name to beat in the realm of
arms invention for his work with Winchester’s lever action and single shot rifles,
the Browning Pistol was the start of the famed partnership between Browning and
Fabrique Nationale, which would later culminate in the post-mortem release of the
Browning/Saive High Power Pistol. Much like how the Colt 1900 was refined by U.S.
military feedback, the Browning Pistol was refined using Belgian military feedback.
This pistol represents a transition point between the “1899” and “1900” variants of the
Browning Pistol, featuring the shorter reinforcement panels, short cocking indicator and
absence of lanyard staple of the 1899, while featuring the safety and grip panels of the
latter. Fixed sights, with the one-line Liege address on the left side of the slide, FN logo
over “Brevete S.G.D.G.” on the left side of the frame, matching numbers on
the slide, breechblock and frame, and checkered grips with FN imprints.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing
patches of shallow pitting on the rear of the pistol, scattered
light spotting, areas of gray and brown patina, and mild
handling marks. The grips are excellent, with some light dings
and sharp decoration. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
357