Introduced to the market in 1895, the Model 1896 was a refinement of Bergmann's semi-automatic pistol designs, integrating feedback on earlier models to make one of the first commercially successful semi-automatic pistols. Blade front and notch rear sights, with "278" on the left side of the barrel, "crown/crown/U" proofs, "PATENT/BREVETE/S.G.D.G." on the left side of the frame, and the Schilling "mountain man" logo on the right sideplate. Several components have been individually numbered, indicating their place in the takedown sequence for the pistol, "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO" engraved on the left side of the frame, and "D434". Straw finished small parts, niter blue safety, and matching numbered checkered grips. The included case bears a Westley Richards trade label inside the lid, with spaces for the pistol and the following included accessories: screwdriver, barrel rod, oil bottle, and two clips, one "pull ring" style with five inert rounds, one "en-bloc" style with five hollow point rounds.

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing minor pitting concentrated under the grips, minor scattered spotting, bright edge wear and light handling marks overall. 70% of the original straw colors are present on the small parts, with the remainder worn bright. Grips are fine as revarnished, with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are in good order, and the case shows some damage to the interior around the slot for the clips.