3382

*LATE PRODUCTION BERGMANN SIMPLEX M1901 WITH SIDE MAGAZINE RELEASE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
*LATE PRODUCTION BERGMANN SIMPLEX M1901 WITH SIDE MAGAZINE RELEASE.
SN 3173. 8mm Bergmann Simplex. The Bergmann Simplex was a compact firearm, produced under license in Belgium in the early 1900s, that combined features from the Bergman Model 1896 and Bergmann Mars M1903. Production is usually estimated at 3500 guns. This late example has a 3.5" bbl with a fixed front and rear sight. A Crown U proof on left side of the bbl rib is repeated on the left side of the receiver that is also marked "PAT.". There are no markings on either side of the frame except for the safety designations. The serial number 3173 is on the butt. The bolt pulls back to function in the manner of other auto-pistols of the era. A thin ejector is screw mounted on the left side of the receiver and the magazine is released with a button on the right side of the frame just behind the magazine well that is fenestrated on each side with four holes. The extended magazine in this pistol is drilled with four indicator holes that, when inserted, line up with all holes in the magazine well. On the left side of the frame is a safety with a forward detent marked "S" and a rearward detent marked "F". The hammer, trigger, and magazine release are strawed while the ejector and safety lever are fire blued. Most pistols were fitted with a single piece hard rubber grip, marked "SIMPLEX" on each side surrounded by checkering, secured by a screw on the tang and a second screw on the butt. PROVENANCE: Joseph J. Schroeder, Jr. Collection. CONDITION: This very rare gun has about 70% original blue with considerable toning, high point, and contact wear, particularly around the magazine well and frontstrap. Comparable condition original straw on the hammer, trigger, and magazine release. The fire blue on the ejector has faded to a uniform gray while the fire blue on the safety lever has been reapplied. Near excellent, brown hard rubber grips, with only a few scattered superficial dents and blunting of the checkering from handling. Mechanically sound. Generally bright bore with shallow rifling and corrosion. Only a few Bergmann Simplexes were manufactured with a side magazine release and an extended magazine. Scarce in any condition. 4-48529 LMA61