Extraordinary Firearms Auction, Day 3

Extraordinary Firearms Auction, Day 3

Wednesday, October 16, 2013  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Extraordinary Firearms Auction, Day 3

Extraordinary Firearms Auction, Day 3

Wednesday, October 16, 2013  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description

This historic auction will include phenomenal offerings from noted collectors such as Sturgess, Frey, Polhemus, Schroeder, Morrison, Leff and Sirkin.

James D. Julia Inc.


(207) 453-7125
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Pg : 9 of 19

INCREDIBLE FACTORY CASED, ALL ORIGINAL, BERGMANN NUMBER 3, M1894, WITH ACCESSORIES.

Lot # 3190 (Sale Order: 201 of 458)      

SN 414. Cal. 6.5mm Bergmann. This early M1894, Number 3, with hexagonal chamber, was made by the Bergmann company with no extractor, which characterises and differentiates the M1894 from the M1896 pistols that had an extractor, and a thin backstrap. Theodor Bergman was an early pioneer in the development of European semiautomatic pistols in the early 1890s and early 1900s. His early models were of distinctive design and had a silhouette that would never be confused with a competitor. All of the Number 2s, 3s and 4s, had an integral magazine that was loaded by rotating down the magazine sideplate and inserting a clip of cartridges from the side. This pistol has a 4.5" bbl, a fixed front sight and a fixed rear sight integral to the bolt that is affixed to a sliding cover over the ejection port. The lugged bbl is marked 278 on the left side (the bore gauge in the English system (no of lead balls of bore diameter (6.5 mm) to the pound) as used by the German proof houses from 1893 – 1912). Adjacent to this bore gauge number is the Crown/Crown/U proof marking that is repeated on the left side of the chamber. The left receiver, with short flutes, is marked "Patent Brevete S.G.D.G.". The SN 414 appears on the right side of the receiver, just below the flute. In the center of the sideplate is the Bergmann factory logo featuring a miner surmounted by the words "Gaggenau" and over V.C.S. Suhl. In this case, V.C.S. were the initials for V. Charles Schilling, who made the pistols for Bergmann and Suhl, which was their location. Walnut grips are finely checkered without a border and without a logo. The gun is presented in a dark green leather bound case, secured with two brass latches. The lid is silk lined and emblazoned with a Bergmann banner stipulating "Arme a repetition automatique/Bergmann Pistole/Bergmann's Self-loading Fire arm/made in Germany". The base of the case is lined in dark green velvet and bordered by a forest green cord. There is an empty partition for two clips. Other partitions contain a cleaning oil bottle and original tools with matching wooden handles that include a screwdriver and a brass stem cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. CONDITION: Fantastic 98-99% bright blue, all original, with negligible sharp edge wear. There is no thinning of the front strap and only trace thinning of the backstrap. Virtually all the brilliant straw remains on the hammer, safety retainer, and trigger. Comparable high condition fire blued safety. Crisply checkered walnut grips with minimal darkening and no chips, cracks, or other losses. Mechanically perfect. Virtually all the varnish remains on the handles of the screwdriver and cleaning rod. This is an outstanding early Bergmann Number 3, with hexagonal chamber, cased with all accessories! 4-52205 LMA86

Estimate: $10000 - $15000...more

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HIGHLY DESIRABLE BERGMANN M1896, NUMBER 3, TARGET.

Lot # 3190A (Sale Order: 202 of 458)      

SN 898. Cal. 6.5mm Bergmann. Theodor Bergmann was an early pioneer in the development of European semiautomatic pistols in the early 1890s and early 1900s. All of the Number 2s, 3s and 4s had an integral magazine that was loaded by rotating down the magazine sideplate and inserting a clip of cartridges from the side. Bergmann made very few target pistols, all in 6.5mm Bergmann. This gun has a longer than usual 7.25” octagonal bbl, fully adjustable sights, a finger rest, a set trigger with its auxiliary trigger cocking catch in the front of the trigger guard which must be pushed forward to cock the set trigger mechanism to fire the pistol and a trigger stop. The screw-in bbl is marked 278 (bore gauge) on the left side. Adjacent to this number is the Crown/Crown/U proof marking that is repeated on the left side of the chamber. The left receiver, with long flutes, is marked "Patent Brevete S. G. D. G." The SN 898 appears on the right side of the receiver just below the flute. In the center of the sideplate is the Bergmann factory logo featuring a miner surmounted by the word" "Gaggenau" and over V.C.S. Suhl. In this case, V.S.C were the initials for V. Charles Schilling, who made the pistols for Bergmann, and Suhl which was the location. Walnut grips are finely checkered and without a logo. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. CONDITION: This pistol shows fading consistent with use and mild oxidation with 80-85% blue mixed with patina, particularly over the sliding cover and front/back straps. Comparable fading and toning of the fire blue on the safety and the straw on the hammer, safety stop, and trigger. Nicely checkered and all orig grips with correct and comparable condition in-the-white grip screw and escutcheon. Bright bore with sharp rifling. A rare and distinctive Bergmann that should appeal to every collector of automatic pistols. 4-52207 LMA91

Estimate: $12500 - $25000...more

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

Lot # 3191 (Sale Order: 203 of 458)      

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

Estimate: $12500 - $22500...more

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DESIRABLE BERGMANN M1897 WITH HARD RUBBER GRIPS.

Lot # 3192 (Sale Order: 204 of 458)      

SN 156. Cal. 7.8mm. Bergmann made approximately 1,000 M1897 pistols. This example has a 3" bbl whose shroud is affixed with a drift adjustable front sight. The rear sight is graded from 100-1000 meters with gradations of 1,3,5,7,9,1000. As is typical for the numbered Bergmanns, a sliding cover is attached to the bolt and marked "PISTOLE BERGMANN/ PATENT BREVETE S.G.D.G." A Crown/Crown/U proof is marked on the left frame and on the back of the bolt while the serial number was applied to the right frame just forward of the extractor. Attached to the right frame is a hammer block/interrupter that keeps the hammer from falling until the bolt is fully forward. The magazine well is drilled with five indicator holes as is the corresponding extended magazine whose base has the same serial number. The hammer, safety stop, trigger, magazine release, and the bbl shroud stop lever are strawed while the extractor, rear sight, safety and hammer block /interrupter are fire blued. Orig hard rubber grip are each molded with a large "B" and finely checkered. The base of the frame is tunneled for a shoulder stock. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. CONDITION: The bbl shroud, that only has minimal wear, is nicely refinished and brighter than the rest of the gun. The balance of the pistol has its original rust blue, approximately 80-85%, with sharp edge and general wear. There is a patch of thinning on the right side of the receiver around the serial number that seems to have been re-struck after which the area was touched up with cold blue. The same renumbering and surface discoloration holds true for the magazine base. The strawed and fired blue small parts still have their original finish whose condition is in keeping with the overall appearance of the pistol. Bright bore with sharp rifling and minimal erosion. Although, the bolt return spring is sluggish, the rest of the mechanics are perfect. 4-52210 LMA102

Estimate: $10000 - $15000...more

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BERGMANN M1897, No. 5, PRESENTATION, WITH MATCHING SHOULDER STOCK.

Lot # 3192A (Sale Order: 205 of 458)      

SN 117. Cal. 7.8mm. Bergmann made approximately 1,000 M1897s. During its production there ensued a number of variations, largely directed to the milling pattern of the right frame. Compare this gun to the M1897, serial number 156, elsewhere in this auction. Most were sold with a leather covered shoulder stock that was often "lost" over the years. This example has a 3" bbl whose shroud is affixed with a drift adjustable front sight. The rear sight is graded from 100-1000 meters with gradations of 1,3,5,7,9,1000. As is typical for the numbered Bergmann pistols, a sliding cover is attached to the bolt. In this case, the cover is inscribed with "DEM ERKENNER DER BERGMANN-PISTOLE DR. REINH. GUNTHER VON THEOD. BERGMANN". According to the consignor, the inscription was from the inventor Theodor Bergmann to Dr. Gunther, his agent in Switzerland, for promoting the pistol in Swiss trials. The left side of the frame was marked with a Crown/Crown/U while the right side of the frame was marked with the serial number 117 that is repeated on the bottom of the magazine. Each side of the magazine well is drilled with four visualization holes. Normally, the M1897 will have a strawed hammer, safety stop, trigger and bbl shroud lever while the extractor sight bar and safety are fired blue. Wood grips are finely checkered with a thin border. The matching stock has a color case hardened lug numbered to the pistol and retained by two fired blued screws. The spare pouch on the right side of the stock is empty and there is no cleaning rod in the provision along the spine. The lid is secured by a single brass stud that extends from the flap. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex Visser collection, illustrated in Sturgess "The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols". CONDITION: Approximately 90-95% original blue with muzzle and sharp edge wear. Backstrap is thin, showing evidence of cleaning. Many of the small parts have lost their heat treated colors and now appear gray, namely the front sight, hammer, sight bar, safety stop, and trigger. Remnants of straw remain of the shroud locking lever. About 70% fire blue remains on the safety. Original grips with blunted checkering and staining consistent with the condition of the pistol and magazine. The bolt return spring is sluggish, requiring an assist for full closure. Mechanics otherwise perfect. Matching stock with brown smooth leather body showing minimal crazing and good flexibility. The leather smell is strong and the body/flaps supple, probably recovered a long time ago. Approximately 80-90% of the case hardening remains on the matched lug. Overall, an exceptional M1897 Bergmann rig with a historic presentation association. 4-52046 LMA101

Estimate: $15000 - $22500...more

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HIGHLY DESIRABLE MANNLICHER M1896/03 WITH MATCHING SHOULDER STOCK.

Lot # 3192B (Sale Order: 206 of 458)      

SN 410. Cal. 7.65mm. Mannlicher made very few pistol carbines with long bbl and tangent sight. This example has a 6" bbl with an elevated drift adjustable front sight and a tangent rear sight with four step gradations from 50-200. The SN 410 is repeated forward of the front sight base, on the left side of the chamber, the left side of the receiver, the right side of the trigger and on the bottom of the detachable magazine. Adjacent to the bbl and receiver numeration is a small Crown/Crown/U marking that is repeated on the left side of thellustr. Motz/Schuy bolt. "722" and "LLJ" are marked in small characters under the bbl. There is a large cocking lever on the right side of the frame. To operate, the bolt needs to be withdrawn and then released, similar in operation to a C96. Pulling the trigger will fire the pistol and allow the cocking lever to rotate forward. The small serrated projection over the tang is the safety. Moving the safety up blocks the cocking lever to prevent firing. Accompanying the pistol is an original black leather shoulder stock whose body is matched to the pistol with a "410" marked in the leather along the lower spine, just behind the stock lug screw. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. Illustr. Motz/Schuy: "Vom Ursprung der Selbstladepistole" pp. 302,303. CONDITION: Expertly refinished with nearly 99% of restored blue. Edges are sharp and planes are flat though the numbering is somewhat shallow and the proofing weak. Old oxidative etching is faintly apparent on the bolt and safety. The sight bar is in-the-white as is the cocking lever. The trigger has had its straw refreshed over some oxidative toning. Grips appear original though the screw has been refinished. Bright bore with strong rifling and only minimal oxidative change. Perfect mechanics. Original shoulder stock with considerable crazing of the body that retains its original pull up strap. The numbering near the lug is original and undisturbed. Although the pistol has been restored, the work has been extremely well done and should pose little detriment to anyone who wishes to add this charismatic arm to their collection. 4-52057 LMA100

Estimate: $15000 - $30000...more

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EXCEEDINGLY RARE KRNKA M1897 EXPERIMENTAL PISTOL.

Lot # 3193 (Sale Order: 207 of 458)      

SN 27. Cal. 8mm. Only a handful of Krnkas are known in the collecting community. An exceedingly scarce pistol, it has been variously termed Krnka, Roth-Krnka, and most recently Roth-Theodorovich. The most commonly encountered reference is used in this description. Virtually all are different as the developers strove to construct a more reliable and easier to manufacture pistol. Pistol #8 was presented and evaluated by the Austrian military in 1897. This example, very similar to #8, has a fluted 7" bbl that extends just over 2 inches beyond the barrel shroud. Fixed front and rear sight. The top of the rib is marked with an encircled GR monogram and the word "PATENT". The serial number is over the chamber. The gun is blued except the bolt, bolt release, hammer and trigger. Coarsely checkered bordered grips. At the base of the frame is a heavy rotatable lanyard ring. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex-Visser Collection. Pictured in the German text "Vom Ursprung der Selbsteldepistole". CONDITION: 97% of restored blue with high point wear and occasional scattered patches of cleaned oxidation, particularly on the right side of the frame. The small parts have been lightly cleaned but all edges are sharp including the knurling at the back of the bolt stop and the checkering over the hammer. Orig well-fitting grips with minimal blunting of checkering and negligible losses. Bright bore with sharp rifling and minimal oxidation. Perfect mechanics. Even though restored, this is an extraordinary gun, suitable for the most advanced collection. 4-52454 LMA88

Estimate: $25000 - $35000...more

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EXTRAORDINARY SCHLEGELMILCH REPEATING PISTOL.

Lot # 3194 (Sale Order: 208 of 458)      

SN 13. Cal. 7.5mm. An extremely unusual repeating pistol whose breech block operates through transverse horizontal movement. The gun is fitted with a 3.5" bbl having a fixed front and a fixed rear sight. Except for the serial number that appears on the left side of the frame, there are no other markings. The bbl and frame are blued. The bolt is in-the-white and hammer, trigger and safety are strawed. Curiously, there are no slotted screws. All fastening is done through square headed bolts, all evident on the right side of the gun. The hammer has a half cock and a full cock and operates either as single action (cock hammer to operate and fire) or double action (cocked, operated and fired by trigger motion alone)repeater. Bringing the hammer to half cock moves the bolt horizontally to the left, exposing the entire chamber, while simultaneously moving the extractor rearward to eject a fired cartridge case. The magazine is fed from above with a stripper clip. Continuing the hammer cock pushes a loading arm forward that feeds the next round into the chamber. Near the end of the hammer movement the bolt returns to the right into the closed position, aligning a freely moving pin in the frame with a concentric firing pin in the bolt. After pulling the trigger to drop the hammer, the trigger springs back to its original position during which time the loading arm retracts and the cycling arm repositions the bolt for the next operation phase. Mounted to the left frame is checkered safety lever that blocks the mechanism when moved up. Pistol has checkered and bordered grips secured with a single square headed bolt. Less than 20 of these pistols were made (in two versions) at the Royal Firearms Factory, Spandau, in 1891/92 for trials by the German Army (GPK)in their search for a replacement of the M1884 Reichsrevolver. Only one other example, of the alternative design, is known to exist in the Werhtechnische Studiensammlung of the German Bundewehr in Koblenz. The designer and constructor in the Factory was Louis Schlegelmilch, then the chief armourer at the Spandau Arsenal. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex Visser collection, illustrated in "The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols" by Sturgess. CONDITION: Approximately 95% bright blue with some fading of the bbl and minor toning. Negligible oxidation. Straw on hammer, safety, trigger and square headed bolts in the same condition. Mirror bore with strong rifling showing minimal use. An exceedingly complex repeater, manual function is like the proverbial Swiss watch. A wonder to operate and a mechanical masterpiece and a near unique example of a German military trials pistol! 4-52456 LMA98

Estimate: $20000 - $30000...more

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EXTREMELY RARE SCHOENBERGER-LAUMANN STEYR M1892.

Lot # 3195 (Sale Order: 209 of 458)      

SN 6. Cal. 8mm. In his quest to design a reliable semiautomatic pistol, Josef Laumann made a number of prototypes, most of which were produced for Austrian Army trials, and were never sold commercially. This example of the first pattern Schoenberger-Laumann as 6.5" bbl that assumes an octagonal form 1.25" in front of the chamber with a drift adjustable front sight. SN 6 appears on the left side of the bbl and is repeated on the left side of the frame along with "WAFFENFABRIK STEYR." On the right side is a large cocking lever that retracts the bolt out the rear of the frame. After returning to battery, a cocking indicator (rear of firing pin) extends from the back of the bolt. Just above the tang is a large rotating holdopen/safety whose left side is serrated. Pushing down on the left side releases the bolt and allows the pistol to fire. In front of the cocking lever is a large .5" diameter checkered button, set in a raised escutcheon, that acts as a magazine/clip release. The bbl and frame are rust blued while the bolt and cocking lever are in-the-white. The safety and trigger are strawed. A large rotable lanyard extends from the base of the frame. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex-R.K Wilson collection, illustrated "Textbook of Automatic Pistols", 1st ed, 1943 Ex-Dinely collection, pictured "Vom Ursprung der Selbstladepistole", page 184, 185. CONDITION: 90% original blue with scattered frosting on the left forward frame and on the much of the right side of the pistol. Comparable condition, untouched straw, on the small parts. Original grips with oil darkening and bordered checkering whose color and age are consistent with the appearance of the pistol. An extremely rare and unusual Schoenberger-Laumann prototype that could easily be the centerpiece of any early automatic pistol collection. 4-52460 LMA93

Estimate: $25000 - $40000...more

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SUPER RARE M1897 SILVERMAN-MAXIM PROTOTYPE PISTOL.

Lot # 3196 (Sale Order: 210 of 458)      

NSN. Cal. “8.5mm Borchardt”. Although Hiram Maxim is best known for his machine guns and sound suppressors, he also collaborated with his workshop foreman, Sidney Silverman to make a handful of semiautomatic pistols covered by British Patent 29836 of 1896 . According to the consignor, this gun is just one of four known examples and has a unique chambering for a cartridge identical to the 7.65 mm Borchardt, but of 8.5 mm caliber. It has a 7" octagonal bbl and a fixed front sight. The fixed rear sight is integral to a sliding cover attached to the bolt, much in the way of the numbered Bergmann pistols. There are no markings or serial number on the gun whose receiver has a gas port on either side. At the rear is a cocking knob that retracts the bolt and serves as a cocking indicator. On the left side of the receiver is a fire blued spring that acts a bolt retarder. The front of the trigger is checkered and the grips are wood with smooth surfaces. The left panel has been milled with four cartridge indicator sight slots. The magazine is retained by a spring mounted at the base of the backstrap. Walls are open to enhance viewing. To facilitate withdrawal, there is a checkered knob on each side of the forward base. The highly ergonomic grip angle is very similar to that of the Luger, but pre-dates it by two years, and the constriction is extremely simple, the retarded blowback action using a single coil spring both as action mainspring and firing pin spring, and the whole pistol comprising only some 20 components. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex R.K Wilson collection, illustrated "Textbook of Automatic Pistols" 1st ed. 1943 ex Visser collection, illustr. HBSA Journal Vol 2 No 6. CONDITION: Excellent original condition with over 90% strong orig blue. Comparable condition fire blue on the large bolt retarding spring. Smooth grips with minimal handling marks and comparable condition magazine. Bright bore with strong rifling and minimal corrosion. Perfect mechanics. Extraordinarily rare semiautomatic pistol whose historic designers are familiar to every firearms collector. 4-52464 LMA97

Estimate: $20000 - $30000...more

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EXCEPTIONAL MANNLICHER M1894 BLOW-FORWARD WITH STOCK LUG.

Lot # 3197 (Sale Order: 211 of 458)      

SN 24. Cal. 6.5mm. According to Motz/Schuy “Vom Ursprung der Selbstladepistole”, about 70 M1894s were made in Switzerland. All had a small frame and all were in 6.5 mm. As true for all blow-forward pistols, the cartridge is chambered on the rearward movement of the bbl. Disassembly is accomplished by removing the grips and then releasing the tension on the hammer spring. At that point, the lever under the bbl shroud can be released, allowing the shroud to be unscrewed and the bbl removed from the frame. This gun has a 6.5" bbl and a fixed front and rear sight. The left side of the frame, near the barrel shroud, is numbered 24 as is the top of the barrel and grip screw. "FAB. D'ARMES/ NEUHAUSEN" is marked in the center of the sideplate. Attached to the backstrap is an added shoulder stock lug, riveted to the frame, only the second such example (the other being #26) known to this reviewer. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, "Vom Ursprung der Selbstladepistole" pp. 260, 261, ex-R.K.Wilson collection, illustrated "Textbook of Automatic Pistols", 1st. ed. 1943, ex-Dinely Collection. CONDITION: At least 95-97% bright original blue with slight fading on the sides of the frame and early toning of the frontstrap. Bright untouched, in-the-white barrel. Soft gray casehardened hammer and trigger. Crisp, all-original grips with most of their original varnish and only faint handling marks. Correctly blunted checkering with negligible losses. Bright bore with strong rifling and only minimal frost. A great and well documented small frame Mannlicher M1894 made in Switzerland! 4-52216 LMA104

Estimate: $15000 - $25000...more

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EARLY, MANNLICHER M1894 BLOW-FORWARD WITH SPARE BARREL.

Lot # 3198 (Sale Order: 212 of 458)      

SN 16. Cal. 7.6mm. Mannlicher made approximately 100 large frame M1894s in caliber 7.6mm. Early pistols, as this example, had a flat hammer. Once production was established, the hammer was changed to the more common beaver tail form as is found on the smaller frame guns. This full size pistol is unmarked except for the serial number that appears on the left side of the bbl shroud and is repeated on the left side of the left side of the receiver and on top of the 7.25" length bbl. As true for all blow-forward pistols, the cartridge is chambered on the rearward movement of the bbl. The pistol can be fired in either the single or double action mode. Disassembly is accomplished by removing the grips and releasing the tension on the hammer spring. At that point, the lever under the bbl shroud can be released, allowing the shroud to be unscrewed and the bbl removed from the frame. Although the pistol is presently fitted with a matching serial number bbl in 6.5mm, the extractor is too large for the 6.5mm rim. The original 7.6mm bbl is supplied separately. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex-Visser collection. CONDITION: The bbl shroud each side of the frame and trigger guard have over 98% bright original blue. The frontstrap, backstrap and tang areas have been carefully cleaned and now appear in the white. Both barrels are in the white as is correct for this variation with crisp near-mirror bores. Orig grips with minimal handling marks and left screw escutcheon retaining much of its original fire blue. Perfect mechanics. Extremely scarce early semiautomatic, with alternative caliber bbl, that should please the most discriminating collector. 4-52220 LMA90

Estimate: $15000 - $25000...more

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SCHWARTZLOSE M1898 STANDART PISTOL, ONE OF THE BEST EXTANT.

Lot # 3199 (Sale Order: 213 of 458)      

SN 183. Cal. 7.63mm. Despite their antique status, Schwartzlose pistols have the look of a modern gun. Many were reportedly shipped to Russia or were used hard and put away wet. Only a handful remain in their pristine, original form, and most of those tend to change hands quietly. This pistol has a 6.5" bbl with a fixed front sight and a vertically adjustable rear sight whose elevation is adjusted using a serrated cammed wheel. The rear of the barrel is Crown/Crown/U proof marked, which is repeated on the left side of the frame and on the upper bolt housing, just behind the rear sight. The SN 183 is marked on the left side of the frame and repeated on the back of the bolt, on the back of the firing pin (83) and on the bottom of the magazine. The bbl, bolt, frame and magazine are blued. The rear sight and elevating wheel are fire blued, while the trigger, slide release, takedown lever, firing pin and magazine release are brightly polished and left in-the-white. Grips are heavily varnished and deeply cut with fine, carefully bordered checkering. The gun is presented in a nicely appointed wood case, lined in dark green velvet, trimmed with green and black cord, and close fitted for the pistol, and compartmentalized for a cleaning rod and a box of ammunition. Closure is effected by a singled keyed latch located under a carry handle. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, ex-Visser Collection. CONDITION: Schwartzloses are finished with a different, blacker "blue" than most pistols; similar to the Black Army M1911s but with a better polish.  When untouched, the finish is so dark it almost looks like black paint. This gun is one of the few whose finish still has that hue. There is some minimal sharp edge wear, wear to the left side of the bolt where it rubs against the frame when retracted, and some minor spotting of the right side of the frame and backstrap. In all, the gun retains at least 98% of its original bright very dark blue. The same stunning condition applies to all the small parts and the grips that retain virtually all their original varnish and all the crisp checkering. There is slightly more wear to the magazine from having been run in and out of the pistol. Perfect bore and perfect mechanics. Excellent condition wood case that protects and highlights the gun. If you want to have the best Schwartzlose in existence, this is your pistol! 4-52231 LMA112

Estimate: $20000 - $30000...more

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CHARLES LANCASTER OVER-UNDER HOWDAH PISTOL.

Lot # 3200 (Sale Order: 214 of 458)      

SN 7787. (ca 1886) Cal. .577 1-5/8". 6-1/2" Oval bore rifled bbls are engraved "Charles Lancaster (Patent) 151, New Bond St. London." on top rib, fitted with German silver blade front sight, and marked on left mid rib "1-5/8 inch cases 577 C.F." (the short Snider Rifle cartridge, not the .577 Boxer Revolver cartridge). London black powder proofs are on left sides of bbls. Hammerless O/U receiver has integral V-notch rear sight and lever latch engaging two dogs on breech ends of bbls fitted with toggling extractor system. Trigger guard bow is engraved with SN. Birds head grip frame has lanyard swivel at bottom, and is fitted with flat, checkered, walnut grips. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 80% orig blue, thinning slightly overall, silvered at muzzles, and with areas of cleaned oxidation on right sides of bbls toward muzzles. Action retains 90% of its orig bright blue, with freckling along sharp edges, flaking on back strap, and with considerable flaking on trigger guard. Grips are excellent with some light marks. Bores are very good, with considerable heavy frosting. An exceptionally fine example of this interesting pistol, only 86 being made in this caliber. 4-52243 MGM322

Estimate: $6500 - $9500...more

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UNMARKED BRAENDLIN ARMOURY MARTIN MITRAILLEUSE FOUR BARREL PISTOL.

Lot # 3201 (Sale Order: 215 of 458)      

SN 62. (ca. 1880) Cal. .476. This unusual pistol has a cluster of four 6" bbls hinged to frame, chambered for the Enfield military cartridge, and with Alexander Henry rifling. This pistol was never very popular, and fewer than 1000 (most likely 100) were ever produced. This unmarked example (except for Birmingham proofs on bbls and action) is possibly a prototype. Action has rotating hammer, firing bbls in succession, similar to the Lancaster. Locking of bbls to action is less secure than the Lancaster, with only a T-shaped latch actuated by thumbpiece at top of grip for security against opening. The number "62" (SN ?) is stamped in locking recess. Cartridge extraction is effected in similar manner to the Smith & Wesson, with spring catch and trip in front portion of trigger guard. This particular pistol has a checkered walnut grip with horn grip cap. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. Ex-Visser collection. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining over 90% orig blue on bbls and action, silvered on sharp edges. Grip retains nearly all of its French polish finish. Grip cap has some slight insect damage. Bores are excellent. 4-52490 MGM323

Estimate: $6500 - $9500...more

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EXTREMELY RARE KYNOCH GUN FACTORY SCHLUND DOUBLE TRIGGER REVOLVER.

Lot # 3202 (Sale Order: 216 of 458)      

SN 366. Cal. 476. Very rare & unusual British revolver with 6" ribbed bbl, fixed sights with 6-shot fluted cylinder and checkered 1-pc walnut grip with a lanyard swivel in the buttcap. Top rib of the bbl is marked "KYNOCH GUN FACTORY ASTON" and top strap is marked "PATENT MODEL". The Tranter factory was acquired by Kynoch upon William Tranter’s retirement, and managed for them by Harry Schlund, who was granted British patents (9084 in 1885 and 11900 of 1886) for safety revolvers with enclosed hammer and dual triggers, the lower for cocking the hammer, the upper to trip the sear and fire the weapon. This is an example of the second patent type with both triggers within the guard. Only around 600 of both types in all calibres (.380”, .450” & .476”)were produced before the factory ceased production. Left front side of the frame is marked "CAL 476". Revolver is most unusual with enclosed hammer both for safety and to prevent snagging when drawn and an oversize trigger guard which encloses two triggers. Pulling the lower trigger advances the cylinder to the next chamber for firing, locks the rear trigger in place and cocks the hammer at the same time. The upper trigger, which is checkered, is used to fire the cartridge. Top rear of the frame has a checkered thumb latch which is used to tip the bbl down for unloading & reloading. Sides of the bbl lug have triangle shaped wires attached to the ejector housing boss to deflect the holster from jamming the cylinder when re-holstering the pistol. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, ex-Visser collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains about 95-97% satin military style blue with a few very minor, small nicks. Grip has a couple of small chips by the buttcap and a few chipped diamonds, otherwise is sound and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-52489 JR392

Estimate: $5000 - $8000...more

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RARE CASED ENGRAVED COMMERCIAL C.G. HAENEL MODEL 1879 ARMY REVOLVER.

Lot # 3203 (Sale Order: 217 of 458)      

SN 78. Cal. 10.55mm German Ordnance Revolver. Beautiful commercial version of the Army revolver with 6" oct to rnd bbl that has cannon muzzle and integral barleycorn front sight with fixed rear sight in top strap. Top strap is inlaid in gold "C.G. HAENEL SUHL". Cylinder is fluted, 6-shots with outside rectangular stop notches without approaches. Entire revolver, frame, cylinder & oct part of bbl & bbl lug are outlined in what appears to be inlaid platinum wire. The entire grip frame is inlaid to match. Top strap & top flats of the bbl lug & bbl also have gold wire inlay. Mounted with beautifully raised-carved walnut grips. Buttstrap has a factory stud & ring. Left side of frame has the attaching screw for the thumb safety which is broken away and missing. Accompanied by its orig green felt lined oak casing, French fitted in bottom for the revolver, a sgl cavity bullet mold with sprue cutter, an unusual nickel plated brass decapping tool for Berdan primers, an ebony handled cleaning rod with brass jag, a small nickeled powder measure and an unusual small nickeled oil bottle. The turn screw compartment is empty. Right rear corner has a covered compartment containing a paper German cap container. Top center of the lid is inlaid with a 3-1/2" x 2-1/4" oval German silver plaque engraved "R. HEYDENREICH / s/m.l. / Dr. Paul / Z. FRL. ERG. JENA." Each end of the plaque has a very nicely engraved foliate pattern. While the German Army pistol was produced in large quantities very few were sold commercially and even fewer were cased & engraved. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Revolver is about fine. Overall retains about 50% orig blue with heavy storage pitting on right side of muzzle & right side of front sight which extends over top of bbl and onto top of frame; one area of cylinder is also heavily pitted with additional pitting on the hammer and flat behind the hammer; inlays are all intact. Grips have a couple of small nicks but are sound and retain a handworn patina. Safety lever is missing, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. Case has a crack in the lid and another in the bottom, otherwise is sound and retains most of its orig varnish; fabric inside lid is possibly an old re-line with spots of rust; bottom lining is orig, heavily faded and soiled but intact. A very rare set. 4-52173 JR395

Estimate: $5000 - $8000...more

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VERY RARE CASED TRANSITIONAL BEAUMONT-ADAMS PATENT DA PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH INSCRIPTION.

Lot # 3204 (Sale Order: 218 of 458)      

Cal. 42. Fine Adams Patent percussion revolver with 6-1/2" oct bbl, fixed sights with replacement front sight blade, rammer mounted to left side of bbl, dbl action only and mounted with checkered 1-pc walnut grip with faceted buttcap. The action is a rare and interesting transition between the Adams (pure double action only) and the Beaumont patent true single/double action. The hammer is lacking any cocking spur as the double action only Adams revolvers, but the action incorporates a single action bent which is engaged on pulling the trigger back to a spring loaded stop protruding through the lower side of the trigger guard which is raised by the second finger pressing it upwards. At this point the hammer remains cocked with the trigger finger relaxed for accurate aiming and the weapon is then fired by releasing the second finger pressure on the trigger stop, which frees the trigger allowing the trigger finger to pull though the trigger firing the weapon. Revolver is lightly engraved in foliate & floral arabesque scrolls. Top of frame & top flat of bbl are inlaid in gold in German "ERINNERUNG AN DAS JFT: RGT: GRAF HAUGWITZ No 38." (“Memento of the Infantry (JFT = IFT/Infanterie) Regiment Count Haugwitz (Regiment) No. 38”). Contained in a unique brown leather covered, green felt lined case, French fitted in bottom for the revolver, a small brass & copper flask with graduated spout & lanyard ring, a 2-cavity bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, an ebony handled nipple wrench with matching screwdriver, a small brass powder measure and a steel & brass combination rammer/cleaning rod with fine knurled mushroom shaped head. Small covered compartment with bone knob contains a functioning key. Left rear corner has a compartment missing its cover. Center of the lid has a brass shield attached which is engraved "1862". PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Revolver is very fine. Bbl & frame retain about all of their orig glossy factory blue with top flat of bbl & top of frame apparently cleaned bright when the inscription was engraved; trigger, hammer & other appended parts retain about all of their orig bright polish; hammer has a small chip on top edge. Grip is sound with a couple of chipped diamonds and shows moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. Case shows one damaged corner with evidence that at one time someone had installed corner reinforcement covers which are now removed; interior is moderately to heavily faded with light soil and damage from the sights in the revolver recess; accessories are all very fine. 4-53299 JR394

Estimate: $7500 - $12500...more

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EXTRAORDINARILY RARE MAUSER MODEL 1878 ZIGZAG SINGLE ACTION CARBINE.

Lot # 3205 (Sale Order: 219 of 458)      

SN 30. Cal. 10.6mm Rimmed. Blue finish with 18-5/8" oct to rnd bbl, German style ramp front sight with matted top and 2-leaf, one standing, rear sight in top flat at the receiver. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain walnut stock and checkered Mauser horn buttplate. Bottom of stock & bbl have factory sling loops. Left side of frame has a serrated thumb lever which locks the cylinder. Right side of the recoil shield has a loading gate since this is a very rare example of the early solid frame Zig-Zag action of which only ca. 100 examples were made (the commoner, later pistols have a top break action for loading/unloading). The cylinder pin is spring loaded with a knurled end center pin that when removed is the empty case ejector pin for the cylinder. While Zigzag revolvers are occasionally encountered in the U.S., carbines are pretty much unknown. Cylinder is very unusual with Z-shaped grooves around outer diameter which are, in fact, rotating grooves for the cylinder. Cylinder rests on a pin which is in a groove and when the hammer is cocked it advances the cylinder to the next chamber for firing. This is an extraordinarily rare find, probably never to be encountered again. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & frame retain most of their orig factory blue with some cleaned spots on the right side of the front sight ramp and right side of bbl about mid-point; there are other small scattered spots of light surface rust; inside standing breech of the frame is lightly pitted; hammer retains strong case colors. Cylinder retains most of its strong orig finish with scattered spots of pitting. Stock is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Buttplate has a couple of small bug bites. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired. 4-52071 JR393

Estimate: $25000 - $40000...more

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ULTRA RARE LAST MODEL MAUSER ZIGZAG REVOLVER.

Lot # 3206 (Sale Order: 220 of 458)      

Cal. 10.6mm Rimmed. This is a very rare example of Paul Mauser’s last attempt to make the Zig-Zag revolver acceptable for military service, a patent model of DRP 2564 of 2 March 1878, “Neuerungen an Revolvern” (Improvements in Revolvers), only a handful of examples of which were made for German Army trials in 1878/79. This was without success since the M79 Reichsrevolver was adopted, after which Mauser made no further developments of the Zig-Zag revolver. Chambered for a unique bottlenecked cartridge, not the standard German Service 10.55 mm Revolver cartridge, the only other known example is in the Smithsonian Institution. Blue finish with 7-3/16" rnd bbl, half-moon front sight in a rectangular base with fixed rear sight in the top strap. Front of the frame has the unique last style sliding latch which allows the bbl to be tipped up for loading & unloading. Grip frame is bag-shaped with a lanyard swivel in the butt and mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Cylinder is very unusual with Z-shaped grooves around outer diameter which are, in fact, rotating grooves for the cylinder. Cylinder rests on a pin which is in a groove and when the hammer is cocked it advances the cylinder to the next chamber for firing. Left front side of the bbl lug has a small thumb latch which is a cylinder lock that fits into a notch in the extended front rim of the cylinder and if not latched the bbl cannot be opened. This prototype is completely unmarked and bears no proof marks either. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. Ex-Visser collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 95% strong orig blue with bright blue on the bbl and brushed finish on the frame & grip frame; cylinder & trigger guard are also bright blue with bright polished hammer & trigger. Grips are sound with only a minor nick or so and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. May be unfired. 4-52565 JR390

Estimate: $20000 - $35000...more

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EXTREMELY RARE CASED PRESENTATION MAUSER MODEL 1878 ZIGZAG SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

Lot # 3207 (Sale Order: 221 of 458)      

SN 1798. Cal. 10.6 Rimmed. Nickel finish with 5-5/16" keyhole shape bbl that has integral front sight and fixed rear sight in the top strap. Grip frame is bag shaped and mounted with full checkered wood grips matching numbered to this revolver. Left side of frame behind the recoil shield has a small thumb lever which is the keeper for the hammer pin. Left side of frame is engraved "PRESENTED TO CAPT: JOHN D. HILL" and the right side "BY F. Weingart, ULM, 6. MARZ 1880". Cylinder is very unusual with Z-shaped grooves around outer diameter which are, in fact, rotating grooves for the cylinder. Cylinder rests on a pin which is in a groove and when the hammer is cocked it advances the cylinder to the next chamber for firing. Left front side of the bbl lug has a small thumb latch which is a cylinder lock that fits into a notch in the extended front rim of the cylinder and if not latched the bbl cannot be opened. Few of these revolvers have shown up in the U.S. because of their European calibers which are not generally available in the U.S. Accompanied by its orig black painted birch presentation case, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver on green felt rests, an ebony handled steel & brass cleaning rod, a open compartment in the front left which at one time contained 30 orig cartridges and a covered compartment which contains an unusual combination tool with folding screwdriver blade and functioning key. Accompanied by the original US lawyer's estate document dated 3/19/1927 identifying the revolver as part of the estate of Frederica S. Hill. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 93-95% strong orig nickel with a few cleaned spots of light rust. Grips are fine showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-52178 JR391

Estimate: $10000 - $15000...more

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MAUSER MODEL 1878 ZIGZAG SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

Lot # 3208 (Sale Order: 222 of 458)      

SN 106. Cal. 7.6mm Rimmed. Blue finish with 3-5/8" keyhole shape bbl that has integral front sight and fixed rear sight in the top strap. Frame is tip-up style with locking latch at the front and angled grip with 2-pc molded hard rubber grips that have dragon design. Cylinder is very unusual with Z-shaped grooves around outer diameter which are, in fact, rotating grooves for the cylinder. Cylinder rests on a pin which is in a groove and when the hammer is cocked it advances the cylinder to the next chamber for firing. Left front side of the bbl lug has a small thumb latch which is a cylinder lock that fits into a notch in the extended front rim of the cylinder and if not latched the bbl cannot be opened. Few of these revolvers have shown up in the U.S. because of their European calibers which are not generally available in the U.S. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. Ex-Visser collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 95% satin blue finish with light muzzle & sharp edge wear. Grips are sound showing light wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-52568 JR389

Estimate: $3000 - $5000...more

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EXTRAORDINARILY RARE AND IMPORTANT CASED ONE OF TWO SURVIVING FIRST PROTOTYPE MODEL 1893 BORCHARDT

Lot # 3209 (Sale Order: 223 of 458)      

SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 6. Cal. 7.63mm Borchardt. Exceptionally rare pistol with short 6" tapered rnd bbl, barley corn style front sight that is integral with the raised collar at the muzzle and fixed rear sight integral with the top of the frame at the rear. Chamber area to the bbl is marked in very tiny letters "LUDW. LOEWE & CO. / BERLIN / 1893". Left forward side, above the trigger is marked "Patent ang.":“Patent angemeldet” – German for “patent applied for”. Rear of the spring housing is without stock lug and instead has a sling stand & swivel, also with a lanyard ring on the left side of the spring housing. Sear spring screw/eye retained rather than by dovetail slot and lacking the production pistol’s sear safety ridge over the sear assembly to prevent accidental pressure on the sear and involuntary discharge. Mounted with highly figured, smooth, European walnut grips that are matching numbered to this pistol. Trigger is early prototype with coil spring return versus the later leaf style spring. Accompanied by two orig wood based prototype magazines with flat sides, numbered cartridge sight holes, raised ribs to front and back edges and riveted multi leaf main spring. Flanged wood bases have ringed finger grips similar to the much later Navy model Luger magazine bases. SN on the rear bottom flat of the grip is approximately 1mm high, substantially smaller than later C96 pistols. This pistol is pictured on pp. 113 & 114 of The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols, Gortz & Sturgess. On pp. 115 & 116, there are various illustrations of parts of this pistol. Pp. 158 & 585 of the referenced publication mention this pistol by SN. Accompanied by its orig tan suede-lined walnut case that is not hinged but has the lid simply held in place by a swinging latch on each end. Interior of the bottom is French fitted for the pistol, a second orig prototype magazine, a very light colored wooden dummy magazine action holdopen for cleaning and orig tools comprising wooden handle with steel ferrule and fire blued screw, two original prototype hand-made screwdriver blades, two orig punches and an orig 2-pc brass cleaning rod for the handle. This is a most extraordinary pistol, one of only two known to be in existence out of the very few prototypes that were created which eventually resulted in the production model of the Model 1893 Borchardt pistol, which ultimately led to the development of the venerable Luger pistol. It is the earliest known example of the first commercially successful high powered self-loading pistol. Information provided by the consignor shows that this pistol was presented to Gen. Luis Maria Campos, Argentine Minister of War. Consignor also provided a copy of the cover and an interior page of an auction catalog, in Spanish, from Buenos Aires, which lists item #288 as an antique German pistol made by Ludwig Loewe & Co., Berlin, with case and orig accessories from the collection of the Campos-Urquiza family. Luis Maria Campos (June 1838-October 1907) joined the army of the State of Buenos Aires in 1856 and fought against the Government. Then he entered the Argentina Army in 1861 when the country reunited. He fought for the State of Buenos Aires in the Argentine Civil wars, and then for the Argentine Army in the Paraguayan War and again for the Argentine government in several rebellions into 1890. In 1872 he married Justa de Urquiza, daughter of Gen. Justo José de Urquiza, former President of the Argentine Confederation. In 1893 he was appointed Minister of War; in 1895 he rejoined the Army with a promotion to Lt. Gen. and became head of the Army. In 1898 he again became Minister of War and founded the Escuela Superior de Guerra in 1900. He died in 1907. PROVENANCE: Gen. Luis Maria Campos, Argentine Minister of War; Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig blue with some minor flaking on the toggle system and spring keeper on the sides. Trigger retains about 50% fire blue. Grips are sound with a few minor scratches and retain virtually all of their crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, has been fired, but very little. Magazines have some light discoloration on their polished metal bodies, otherwise retain most of their bright orig finish. Both magazine bases are sound and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Case is sound with a few light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly soiled and is completely intact. Accessories are fine. 4-52096 JR409

Estimate: $125000 - $250000...more

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EXTREMELY RARE, CASED PRESENTATION LOEWE MODEL 1893 BORCHARDT TO DON PORFIRIO DIAZ, PRESIDENT OF

Lot # 3210 (Sale Order: 224 of 458)      

MEXICO SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 266. Cal. 7.63 MM Borchardt. Spectacular cased Borchardt pistol that was presented to General Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico. Pistol is a standard early Borchardt by Loewe with 7-1/2" tapered rnd bbl, fixed sights with the Loewe marking over the chamber and patent markings on the toggle link. Bottom of the bbl has "BUG" Proofs with additional Proofs on the right side of the frame, which is also marked "SYSTEM BORCHARDT.PATENT." Pistol has standard appointments with matching numbered, checkered walnut grips and has an orig magazine in the well numbered "447". Accompanied by its orig diamond pattern red leatherette case that has brass corner reinforcements and a cut corner gilded plate in the lid, 4" x 1-3/4", engraved in period script "Exmo Senor / Don Porfirio Diaz / Presidente de la Republica Mexioana". Front of the case has a latch at each end with a matching leather wrapped carrying handle whose brackets and all other exterior furniture are gilded. Interior is bright green velvet lined and French fitted in the bottom for the pistol, a matching numbered shoulder stock with attached black leather holster, a matching numbered attachable cheekpiece, three orig matching numbered magazines, a wooden dummy magazine/cleaning hold-open with concealed brass cleaning rod and oiler, the orig wooden handle for screw driver blades, two screw driver blades, two orig punches, and a nickeled 2-pc parts box that appears to have contained lubricant. Covered compartment in the right front contains the screwdriver blades and punches. All together a truly spectacular presentation set. Parts of this pistol are pictured on pp. 116 & 519 of Volume 1 of The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols, Gortz & Sturgess. P. 116 illustrates the chamber markings of this pistol and also illustrates the Berlin Crown/BUG Proof mark locations. The caption states that this is one of a small group of Borchardt pistols with Proof marks on the underside of the bbl and right side. P. 1428 of Volume 3 of the referenced publication illustrates the entire case set, open to show contents, the top with presentation plaque and the front of the case. The authors indicate that the diamond grained red Moroccan leather covered case is an extremely rare factory deluxe presentation case and that the fittings are all regular 93 case items that have been gilded. The authors speculate that this set may have been a presentation by the manufacturer as an inducement for adoption of their products or that it may have been a presentation to President Diaz from Kaiser Wilhelm II or possibly by the German government. President Diaz was apparently very friendly with the Kaiser and initially sought asylum with the Kaiser's family when he was deposed in 1911 following the 1910 Mexican Revolution. The authors state that there is one other example like this known that had associations with the Vickers Company of England. Jose de la Cruz Porfirio Diaz Mori was born Sept. 15, 1830 in Oaxaca, Mexico, trained for the priesthood at age 15, and in 1850 studied law. Prior to that, however, in 1846 Mr. Diaz participated in the Mexican-American War of 1846. In 1855 he joined a band of guerrillas fighting Santa Anna who was attempting a resurgence to power. His star began its medioric rise in 1862 when he became a Brigade General fighting the French. Between 1863-1867 he was offered various positions of power under Emperor Maximilian, which he refused. In 1868, when President Juarez came to power, he resigned his commission and returned home. But again in 1871 he led a revolt against Juarez, but was defeated and again returned home after accepting amnesty. In 1874 he was elected to Congress but again led a revolt in 1875, and in 1876 he led a failed attempt to unseat President Tejada, which failed. In November, 1876, he returned to Mexico from the U.S. and again faced the government forces whom he defeated, and in May, 1877 was elected President of Mexico, a title which he held off and on for over 30 more years. By 1908 Mexico's government had become corrupt and oppressive and in 1910 Francisco Madero led a revolt which overthrew President Diaz causing him to flee to Spain in May, 1911. He died July 2, 1915, in exile in Paris and is buried there. In 1938 his 430-pc collection of arms was donated to the Military College of Canada, in Kingston, Ontario. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, pristine new and unfired. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig factory blue with bright fire blue on all the appropriate parts. Grips are crisp with a few crushed diamonds on the right side, otherwise shows no additional flaws and retains virtually all of its crisp orig varnish. Case has some slight losses of leather covering on the lid with a few light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains virtually all of its remaining orig red finish. Mounts on the case retain most of their orig gilding. Interior is equally...more

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*× SUPERB FACTORY ENGRAVED MAUSER C96 OF CHIEF OF GERMAN ARMY GENERAL STAFF COLONEL-GENERAL LUDWIG

Lot # 3211 (Sale Order: 225 of 458)      

BECK. SN 89382. Caliber 7.63mm. Prewar Commercial with 5.5” bbl and slip-in 50-1000 rear sight. Usual chamber address and full serial number on left chamber flat. No markings on either side of bbl extension. Short extractor and two-lug firing pin. Frame with usual 2-line address on the right side. Fire blued small parts with strawed trigger. Extensive, factory scroll floral engraving, covering top of barrel, most of the rear of the bbl extension, both sides of the frame, floorplate, and front and backstrap. Special grips with fine checkering bordered by silver wire inlay with mother of pearl inserts in the typical Mauser factory presentation style. All matching including the grips that are numbered 82. Presented in beautiful wood case whose top is inlaid with burl veneer and fitted with a blank oval plaque. The lid is lined with dark blue silk and gold blocked “Waffenfabrik Mauser /Oberndorf.” Dark blue velvet base partitioned to hold pistol, ammunition and a cleaning rod. Secured with a centered keyed lock. Ex-General Ludwig Beck (“Magnum” magazine (Brazil)1988; gives full history of Beck’s ADC’s flight to Brazil in 1944 with this pistol following the failed July 20 bomb plot against Hitler, Beck (who had a leadership role in the plot) was permitted to commit suicide immediately after failure of the plot when the Gestapo arrested him. PROVENANCE: Ludwig Beck Family; Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Very Fine. 95% original blue with scattered freckling on barrel and toning of front and backstrap. Comparable condition fire blued and strawed small parts. Dark, oiled grips with areas of blunted checkering. some losses of the silver wire border. Perfect mechanics. Excellent condition presentation case with an impressively marked lid. A fantastic, factory engraved C96, one of only a handful, with an important historic association. 4-52171

Estimate: $25000 - $35000...more

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Sold for: USD 66,000.00

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