*◊ BSA PROTOTYPE CHAMBERED FOR SPECIAL .34″ BSA BELTED CARTRIDGE.

SN 1c. Cal. .34. Traditionally constructed BSA experimental, closely modeled after the FN M1910, with 3-5/8″ bbl. All blued components, except bbl that is in the white. Unmarked slide with dished sighting plane having shallow front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. Dished recesses toward the rear for improved gripping. Originally unmarked frame now serialed “1C” on left side, just forward of grip panel, for purpose of importation. Thumb safety on left tang and grip safety that is marked “COCKED” on left side. Bottom magazine release is missing. Plain magazine without indicator holes having a split tail base. Hard rubber grips molded with the oval stacked-rifle BSA logo surrounded by fine bordered checkering. In 1919 – 1920 Birmingham Small Arms were persuaded to design a series of pistols to utilize special belted case cartridges designed by Eley Bros as a consequence of the expiry of the Holland belted case patent, but these never proceeded beyond the prototype stage. This pistol was is the only known example retaining its original belted case chambering for the special .34” BSA cartridge. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. Illustrated HBSA Journal, Vol 2, No.7. CONDITION: Approx 97-98% orig blue with sharp edge wear and mild frosting of backstrap. Comparable condition magazine. Excellent grips with negligible handling wear, minimal warpage and no splits or cracks. Cocking the pistol will not engage trigger, that loosely rotates, likely missing transfer bar spring. Near mirror bore. Mechanics limited by trigger engagement and missing magazine catch. Regardless of the issues, easily repairable, this is an extremely rare gun, detailed in the accompanying article in Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association, Vol. II, No. 7, written by Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, that was never placed into production. 4-52449 (7,500-15,000) – Lot 1322

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

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
	1322	$0.00	Revised: 9/15/2014 Estimate should be $9,000-$15,000. ◊ BSA PROTOTYPE CHAMBERED FOR SPECIAL .34″ BSA BELTED CARTRIDGE. SN 1c. Cal. .34. Traditionally constructed BSA experimental, closely modeled after the FN M1910, with 3-5/8″ bbl. All blued components, except bbl that is in the white. Unmarked slide with dished sighting plane having shallow front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. Dished recesses toward the rear for improved gripping. Originally unmarked frame now serialed “1C” on left side, just forward of grip panel, for purpose of importation. Thumb safety on left tang and grip safety that is marked “COCKED” on left side. Bottom magazine release is missing. Plain magazine without indicator holes having a split tail base. Hard rubber grips molded with the oval stacked-rifle BSA logo surrounded by fine bordered checkering. In 1919 – 1920 Birmingham Small Arms were persuaded to design a series of pistols to utilize special belted case cartridges designed by Eley Bros as a consequence of the expiry of the Holland belted case patent, but these never proceeded beyond the prototype stage. This pistol was is the only known example retaining its original belted case chambering for the special .34” BSA cartridge. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. Illustrated HBSA Journal, Vol 2, No.7. CONDITION: Approx 97-98% orig blue with sharp edge wear and mild frosting of backstrap. Comparable condition magazine. Excellent grips with negligible handling wear, minimal warpage and no splits or cracks. Cocking the pistol will not engage trigger, that loosely rotates, likely missing transfer bar spring. Near mirror bore. Mechanics limited by trigger engagement and missing magazine catch. Regardless of the issues, easily repairable, this is an extremely rare gun, detailed in the accompanying article in Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association, Vol. II, No. 7, written by Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, that was never placed into production. 4-52449 (7,500-15,000) – Lot 1322 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 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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*◊ BSA PROTOTYPE CHAMBERED FOR SPECIAL .34″ BSA BELTED CARTRIDGE.