Beretta M1915 M-1915 9mm Glisenti Semi-Auto Pistol 1915-1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 210506MW35
Make: Beretta
Model: 1915
Serial Number: 6474
Year of Manufacture: 1915-1918
Caliber: 9mm Glisenti
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with knurled rear shaft safety
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PIETRO BERETTA-BRESCIA-CASA FONDATA NEL 1680”, “CAL. 9M.-BREVETTO 1915”, and with a partial serial number “647”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “6474”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a banded base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration, and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. Both panels are darker in appearance and have an overall worn appearance. There are a few spots where the checkering is dinged and some minor dings along the edges of both panels. The checkering is well-defined There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark but the rifling is well-defined. There is moderate erosion and fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 77% of its metal finish. The slide has taken on a distinct plum hue and has light to moderate thinning on most edges along with some more notable scuff wear on the left side near to the muzzle. The barrel has light operational wear and afew light nicks on the top. The frame has scattered light nicks most notable on the left side and there is some moderate finish loss on the frontstrap. Spots of minor surface oxidation can be seen scattered throughout the pistol. The screws have light tool marks with strong slots, and visible markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-to-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol includes one (1) 7-round magazine with moderate operational wear, a strong spring, intact feed lips, and rates in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Beretta Model 1915 has the distinction of being Beretta’s first semi-automatic pistol. It superseded the Glisenti Model 1910, a complicated and costly pistol at the time. This pistol was provided to the Italian Army during World War I and there were nearly 16,000 produced before refinements would be made in the form of Berettas 1915/17 and 1915/19. The example is refinished, and this is notable in two ways; the sides of the trigger and the portion of the barrel visible through the ejection port have been machine-jeweled, and the slide new blue finish is remarkably plum colored in contrast to the frame. In overall Good-to-Very Good condition, this Beretta will make a fine addition to any World War I collection. Relatively few were made, as mentioned! Good luck and happy bidding.