This is a very rare example of Belgium made copy of the Spanish Charolay Y Anitua semi-automatic pistol. The Spanish version of this model were manufactured circa 1898-1900 in Eibar, Spain. They are a very lightweight, diminutive pistol that was well liked and highly regarded. This Belgium copy was obviously made sometime after that as it’s a direct copy of the Spanish model. The Spanish model was made in three different versions with this example being copied from the last 3rd version. It is a simple blow-back operated design with some resemblances to both the Mauser Broomhandle or Mannlicher pistols in that it has a non-detachable magazine located in front of the trigger that uses trigger clips to load from the top. This example is chambered in the 5 mm Clement cartridge. The top of the barrel is roll marked: "BEST SHOOTING PISTOL", with "PATENT" on top of the chamber area with the left rear frame panel roll marked "STANDART". It is marked on the left side of the barrel and receiver with the following proofs: "Crown/R, Crown/C, Belgium Perron symbol" followed by the circular Belgium E.L.G. proof from the Liege proof house. Additionally the Crown/C and Perron proofs are also stamped on the left side of the receiver and top of the bolt. It has a fixed banded front sight with a rear sighting notch through the top rear receiver. It is fitted with a pair of checkered black plastic grips with 5-pointed stars on the side of each grip panel.

Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear with some thinning on the sides of frame and lower grip strap. The grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp checkering with minor handling marks. A unique example of a Charolay pistol copy!