Developed by Hugo Borchardt and manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Company (later consolidated under Loewe's Deutsche Waffen und Munitionfabriken holding company), the 1893 Borchardt was among the first semi-automatic pistols to arrive on the market. Borchardt's design introduced many mechanical principles and design concepts that would be revisited and refined by Georg Luger to make the famous "Pistole Parabellum" Model 1900, essentially making the Borchardt the forefather of about half a century of European military and commercial handguns. The most critical feature taken up by Luger was the 1893's toggle-locked short-recoil action, which gives the pistol its distinctive profile. Blade front sight and "V" notch rear sight, with the patent mark "D.R.P./No75837." on the front toggle link, "SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT./DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN./BERLIN." on the right side of the receiver, and a set of "crown/letter" proofs on the barrel, chamber and toggle assembly. "747" is engraved on the underside of the spring housing. Installed on the front link is an asymmetrical smooth cocking handle with a spring loaded safety latch; intended to reduce the risk of premature unlocking, Luger would integrate a similar lock into the 1900 but eliminate it as redundant in later models. The small parts are finished in yellow straw or niter blue colors, with a set of checkered grips with smooth borders and a nickel finished magazine with a non-matching numbered base. Included with the pistol is an unnumbered shoulder stock with black leather holster and detachable cheek rest, extra unnumbered magazine, wood hold-open device/cleaning rod holder, and a black leatherette transport case.

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered scratches and handling marks, and some light spotting. Strong and bright color is present on the small parts, with a gray patina and mild spotting on the safety latch and right sideplate. The grips are also very fine, with some minor dings. Accessories are all very good as modern reproductions, showing minor wear and handling. Mechanically excellent.