This is a rare example of a 1896 Number 3 Semi-Automatic Pistol as produced by the firm of V. Charles Schilling in Suhl. Theodore Bergman was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s. These commercial pistols are very difficult to find as few were produced. This model was truly a successful commercial pistol and it has the distinctive slide, flat top bolt and top cover with the thin, lightweight firing pin. This specific model has the forward integral magazine similar to the Mannlicher rifle and pistol that loads through the top with. The right side of the pistol has the "mountain man" logo marked "Gaggenau V.C.S. Suhl" and is the logo stamped on these pistols manufactured by Schilling. The left side is marked "PATENT/BREVET/S.GD.G." and the rear section of the barrel and forward section of the receiver have a small crown/U proof with the proof repeated along with the number "6" on the rear of the slide. The serial number is stamped on the lower barrel assembly and the back strap is stamped "D436". Fitted with a set of checkered grips.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% original blue showing some thinning to a gray with some very scattered light spotting. The safety has 75% of the bright fire blue, with the trigger, hammer and screw heads showing traces of straw color. Grips are fine with a chip on the left panel. The action is excellent.