Developed in the late 1890s, the Model 1897 (also known as the Number Five) was an important developmental step between Bergmann's earlier fixed magazine handguns and the Bergmann Mars pistol, retaining the same grip and frame profile as the earlier designs while integrating a detachable magazine and a short recoil locking breech mechanism capable of handling the more potent 7.8mm Bergmann cartridge. Like its competitors for military contracts, the Mauser Broomhandle and Loewe/DWM Borchardt, the 1897 includes a mounting point for a factory developed stock holster, permitting use as both a handgun and a pistol-caliber semi-automatic carbine. Blade front and elevation adjustable bridge rear sight graduated to 1000 meters, the former mounted on a hand-detachable shroud for the recoiling barrel, with a set of "crown/crown/U" proofs on the left side of the frame and "PISTOLET BERGMANN/PATENT BREVETE S.G.D.G." on the reciprocating bolt cover. The magazine and magazine well both have viewing ports on each side for round counting, with a niter blue finished safety, straw finished small parts, and a set of hard rubber grips with "B" emblems at the top. A short extension to the grip frame houses a rectangular mounting slot for the included stock holster, which has an exposed steel mounting iron with spring-loaded catch at the front, and brown leather covering the stock framework to make the holster with brass rivets and closure stud. Note: This item is restricted under various state-level assault weapons bans and cannot be sold or transferred to residents of CA, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, NJ, NY, and WA. Please check your local laws and regulations prior to bidding.

Very fine, with 60% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, high edge wear, scattered spotting, and light handling marks. 40% of the original niter blue and 30% of the straw colors are present on the small parts, with a mixed patina on the remainder. The grips are very good, slightly oversized, with minor dings on the sharp checkering. The recoil spring is broken, otherwise mechanically very good. The stock is good, with absent shoulder strap, detached internal components, and cracking and scuffs of the leather.