WWI German Occupied Pieper Bergmann Bayard 1910 Semi-Auto Pistol MFD C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,355.00
LSB#: WY250210SM088.1
Make: Anciens Etablissements Pieper
Model: Bergmann-Bayard M1910
Serial#: 15189
Year of Manufacture: 1914-1918 (during German occupation of Belgium)
Caliber: 9mm Largo
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to a block which retains the recoil spring.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels. The grips have even wear with some scattered light nicks and scratches. The checkering shows wear, but is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 20% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered with most surfaces worn to white or possibly chemically stripped. Worn areas are going to a light patina. There is infrequent minor surface erosion. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There appears to be a part missing from the rear of the barrel extension below the bolt. The sideplate retainer is tool marked (left of frame). Other pin heads show more minor wear. The screw head is tool marked with a usable slot. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however there appears to be a part missing from the rear of the barrel extension below the bolt. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 6-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The story of Bergmann’s autoloading pistol designs began with a Swiss patent from a Hungarian watchmaker which was acquired by Theodor Bergmann. He then tasked Louis Schmiesser with improving the design, adding patent after patent. Bergmann’s company never did produce large quantities of the handguns with most of the work contracted out. Eventually, Bergmann began to focus on machineguns and licensed his design out to Anciens Etablissements Pieper in Belgium. With improvements requested by the Spanish government, Pieper would eventually begin producing their Model 1908, further improvements requested by the Danish government resulted in the Model 1910.
The pistols saw limited military and commercial success before German occupied Belgium in 1914. This example comes from that occupation period where some 1,000 pistols were produced for the invaders. The pistol shows wear consistent with its age and the rather violent environment in which it was produced. This is a fascinating early semi-automatic handgun that should certainly appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid!
-Bud
