UNIQUE BERGMANN M1897, No. 5, PROTOTYPE, IN THE WHITE.

UNIQUE BERGMANN M1897, No. 5, PROTOTYPE, IN THE WHITE. SN NSN. Cal. 7.8mm. Prior to initiating production of the M1897, Bergmann made a number of prototypes. Most were based on the M1896, No.4, scaled up for the 7.8mm cartridge modified to use a detachable magazine and incorporating the Bergmann side tilting bolt locking mechanism that characterises the M1897 No 5 pistols. This example, which has Swiss provenance, has a number of interesting features closely resembling those of Swiss Patent 14716 of July 18, 1897. It has a quick detachable 5.25″ bbl (no shroud) with a drift adjustable front sight and a fixed rear sight, both very similar in form to the No. 3 and No. 4 pistols. The receiver is much more robust than its blow-back action predecessors and the right side is fitted with a distinctly different ejector and the pivoting hammer blocking safety lever. The rear of the frame is very similar to a No.3 /No.4 with the forward portion modified to house a single column detachable magazine that is released by a push button on the right side, just behind the barrel release. There are no external serial numbers nor proof marks. The only marking is the early bare Bergmann “miner” logo which lacks the VCS and Suhl marks on the right side of the sideplate that has the thick staple used for the No. 3/No.4 shoulder stock. On the left side of the frame is the traditional Bergmann safety. The magazine well is drilled with 4 indicator holes. In this case, the lower three are matched to the three holes drilled in the single column, extended magazine that has a vertical stop machined into each side. Wood grips are smooth. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. Illustrated in Sturgess’ “The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols”. CONDITION: Though unnumbered and in-the-white, the gun must have been tested hard. The surface has been cleaned, then chemically stripped, now appearing as a dull brown-gray with a fine scattering of deeper oxidation, especially over the safety stop, safety and left frame. The bolt stop appears newly made as are the grips. Generally bright bore with good rifling and mild-moderate corrosion. Bolt return is sluggish, with full closure requiring a manual prompt, otherwise perfect mechanics. This is one of the rarest M1897s in existence, a developmentally important pistol, and one that every auto pistol collector should notice! 4-52209 LMA106 (12,500-22,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3191	$16,100.00	UNIQUE BERGMANN M1897, No. 5, PROTOTYPE, IN THE WHITE. SN NSN. Cal. 7.8mm. Prior to initiating production of the M1897, Bergmann made a number of prototypes. Most were based on the M1896, No.4, scaled up for the 7.8mm cartridge modified to use a detachable magazine and incorporating the Bergmann side tilting bolt locking mechanism that characterises the M1897 No 5 pistols. This example, which has Swiss provenance, has a number of interesting features closely resembling those of Swiss Patent 14716 of July 18, 1897. It has a quick detachable 5.25″ bbl (no shroud) with a drift adjustable front sight and a fixed rear sight, both very similar in form to the No. 3 and No. 4 pistols. The receiver is much more robust than its blow-back action predecessors and the right side is fitted with a distinctly different ejector and the pivoting hammer blocking safety lever. The rear of the frame is very similar to a No.3 /No.4 with the forward portion modified to house a single column detachable magazine that is released by a push button on the right side, just behind the barrel release. There are no external serial numbers nor proof marks. The only marking is the early bare Bergmann “miner” logo which lacks the VCS and Suhl marks on the right side of the sideplate that has the thick staple used for the No. 3/No.4 shoulder stock. On the left side of the frame is the traditional Bergmann safety. The magazine well is drilled with 4 indicator holes. In this case, the lower three are matched to the three holes drilled in the single column, extended magazine that has a vertical stop machined into each side. Wood grips are smooth. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. Illustrated in Sturgess’ “The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols”. CONDITION: Though unnumbered and in-the-white, the gun must have been tested hard. The surface has been cleaned, then chemically stripped, now appearing as a dull brown-gray with a fine scattering of deeper oxidation, especially over the safety stop, safety and left frame. The bolt stop appears newly made as are the grips. Generally bright bore with good rifling and mild-moderate corrosion. Bolt return is sluggish, with full closure requiring a manual prompt, otherwise perfect mechanics. This is one of the rarest M1897s in existence, a developmentally important pistol, and one that every auto pistol collector should notice! 4-52209 LMA106 (12,500-22,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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