Synopsis:

Scarce Bergmann 1896 No. 2 Folding Trigger Pistol, All matching

Description:

Standard configuration Bergmann 1896, No. 2, Folding Trigger with a fixed front sight and a notched rear sight. It was a single action blowback pistol made to fire a rimless, groove-less cartridge. For that reason, the bolt was never cut for an extractor; the fired case would literally just blow out of the gun. It had a 3” barrel, the left side marked "611" that was a bore/gauge, equivalent of the 5 mm caliber. Crown/C/U on left side on barre, barrel extension, and top of the bolt. Patent markings on the left side of the frame. The sideplate was marked with the Gaggenau/Miner/Suhl logo. Serial number “96” on the right side of the frame. Fitted with the usual rotating magazine cover that was carried forward on all the later production No. 2 and No. 3 pistols. The Folding Trigger had a checkered face and a matching number "96" on the bottom. Unlike the later Bergmanns, the Folding Trigger pistols had an external transfer bar (mounted on the left side of the frame) and did not have their parts numbered for disassembly. Fitted with finely checkered walnut grips and a rotatable lanyard ring. Major components rust blued. Most small parts strawed or fired blued.

Condition:

This is VG+ original finish with sharp edge wear and fading as one might expect from a pistol that has seen moderate use. Many of the strawed and fire blued parts have faded as carefully pictured. No suggestions of enhancement. Grips dark, oil stained, with areas of blunted checkering, each panel with a chip at the top forward corner. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. If you are a collector and want one of the earliest Bergmann pistols made, this is your opportunity! An instantly recognizable semiautomatic from the end of the 19th century, especially nice as an ANTIQUE!