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. A contemporary of the Mauser Broomhandle and Loewe Borchardt, the Bergmann design used a novel integral magazine with a large swiveling access door on the right side for clip loading. Fine decoration work has been performed by a retailer on this example (most likely in South America), with combined line and zig-zag borders applied on many parts to create individual panels, floral motifs engraved on and around the screws, and repeating motifs of silver inlaid scroll and floral work. The Schilling "mountain man" logo has been positioned on the left side of the magazine, and set in a silver inlaid vine wreath, and a textured panel on the top of the backstrap. Border and scroll engraving has been performed on the hammer and trigger, with the latter also sharply checkered on the face. Fitted with a set of matching numbered checkered hard rubber grips with raised "B" emblems at the top. Included with the pistol is a presentation case with green lining, with space for the pistol and the included screwdriver, barrel rod and oil bottle.

Very fine, with 80% of the period retailer applied blue finish, with areas of minor spotting, some thinning to a gray patina, edge wear and handling marks. The Schilling logo is a bit faint at the top (possibly from a factory mis-strike), and the engraving is sharply executed. A few areas of the silver have been cleaned to a gray patina, though the majority has taken on a deeply aged color, giving it a very subtle character against the strong bluing. 50% of the straw colors are present on the small parts. Grips are very good, with a few scuffs and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is good, with some ink stains inside the lid, damage to the latch hardware, and mild scuffing and wear.