Belgian AEP Bergmann-Bayard 1910/21 9x23mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1908-12 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,275.00

LSB#: LSB260505HE023

Make: Anciens Etablissements Pieper (AEP), Belgium, Contracted for Denmark

Model: 1910/21

Serial Number: 2478

Year of Manufacture: 1908 – 1912 / C&R

Caliber: 9x23mm Bergmann

Action Type: Single Action Short Recoil Semi–Auto Pistol with Detachable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with  the serial number, “2478” along with various Liege proofs. The underside of the frame is marked, “9746”. The left side of the upper frame is marked, “BREVETE. S.G.D.G. / M.19 10/21 / ANCIENS ETABLISSEMENTS PIEPER. HERSTAL-LIEGE BERGMANN’S PATENT”. The magazine is not serial matched to the gun. There are a few Danish crown proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set in the barrel rib. The rear sight is a fixed V-notch affixed to the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black Trolite resin panels screw set to the frame. The panels have warped from age and do not sit properly on the frame. There are scratches and splitting from age throughout. There are a few small cracks forming at the panel edges. There are a few tiny chips. The checkering is mostly sharp. Overall the grips are in Poor to Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, W/ Some Parts In The White.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with moderate to heavy stubborn fouling and faint pitting marks. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10. 

Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The leading edges are worn. There are scratches, nicks, and light spots of rust pitting throughout along with light spots of thinning on the frame and barrel. The grip screw is mostly sharp with a strong slot and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x 6rd Magazine.

Our Assessment: The Bergmann-Bayard Model 1910/21 is a distinctive early military self-loading pistol developed from Theodor Bergmann’s designs and manufactured in Belgium by Anciens Etablissements Pieper under the Bayard trade name. Denmark adopted the Model 1910 and later upgraded much of its prewar inventory to the 1910/21 standard, incorporating improvements to the extractor, bolt, sideplate retention, and grip configuration. This example began as a Belgian AEP-produced Danish-contract pistol and was subsequently converted to the later Danish military pattern, preserving both its pre-World War I manufacture and interwar service configuration. Chambered in the powerful 9x23mm Bergmann-Bayard cartridge, it uses a short-recoil, locked-breech action and detachable magazine that were advanced features for a military sidearm of its era. This pistol remains in Good condition, retaining approximately 75% of its original blued finish. The metal surfaces show leading-edge wear, scratches, nicks, scattered light rust pitting, and finish thinning on the frame and barrel. The grip screw remains mostly sharp with a strong slot, the pins are undamaged, and the markings remain clear. The bore is light gray with pronounced rifling, moderate erosion, moderate to heavy stubborn fouling, and faint pitting, rating 6.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The original-style Trolit grip panels have warped with age and no longer seat properly against the frame; they also show splitting, developing cracks, scratches, small chips, and other age-related deterioration, rating in Poor to Fair condition. The included magazine is not serial-matched to the pistol.

The Danish-contract Bergmann-Bayard is an important transitional military handgun combining Belgian manufacture, German design influence, and lengthy Danish service. Its AEP markings, Danish proofs, original finish, later 1910/21 conversion, and functional action provide substantial historical interest despite the deteriorated grips and worn bore. Accompanied by one magazine, this remains a representative and increasingly difficult-to-find example of Denmark’s first widely issued semi-automatic service pistol. -R.E.