Auctions Consignment Latest FAQ About us

Lot 1387:Bittner Gustav 1893 Pistol 7.7 mm

September 10th, 2016|Rock Island, IL

Lot 1387:Bittner Gustav 1893 Pistol 7.7 mm

September 10th, 2016|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$14,000 - $22,500

Outstanding Factory Presentation Cased Bittner Model 1893 Repeating Pistol

This is a beautiful example of a very rare, all original cased Bittner repeating pistol. These pistols were an early attempt by Gustav Bittner to develop a "repeating" (not semi-automatic) pistol in the early 1890s. His design actually centered around using the linear movement of the bolt combined with the mechanical action/movement of the ringed trigger guard which cocked and cycled the pistol. The concept proved to be a good mechanical design; however, it was completely overtaken by the semi-automatic pistols developed by several world famous companies such as Borchardt and Mauser during this time period. This pistol set is very rare as so few example were actually sold as a cased pistol. The right side of the pistol is marked with "BITTNER PATENT" over the circled, intertwined initials "G/B (for Gustav Bittner) W". The pistol is serial numbered "2.8" under the upper left side of the frame(under the grip), and it has assembly numbers "86" on the underside of the bolt and back sides of both grips. The top of the receiver ring has the small circular "Eagle/3" proofmark from the Weipert proofhouse as used in 1891-1899. The underside of the barrel is stamped with "1854. 97." It is fitted with an excellent set of walnut grips and two separate forend frame panels. Both the grips and frame panels features a fine line checkered pattern. This beautiful pistol comes in an original black leatherette presentation case that measures approximately 6 3/4 inches by 13 1/2 inches. The inside bottom section of the case has a green felt lining, and the inside of the lid has a white silk type lining. The lining inside the lid also has a 1 1/2 inch diagonal green ribbon that reads: "Bittner'sche Repeating Pistole". The case contains one of the extremely rare original nickel plated stripper clip, one original rimmed Bittner cartridge, and a small glass bottle that contains lubricating oil. The bottle is wrapped with an old paper label that reads: "GEWEHR OEL Gustav Bittner/Gewehr Fabrik/WEIPERT". It also includes a small walnut handled screwdriver. Missing the cleaning rod.

ConditionExcellent. 95% plus of the vivid original color casehardening on the frame, grips straps, side plate, and trigger ring. The bolt has its original "in the white" finish, and the barrel retains 97% of the original blue finish. The walnut grips and front forend piece both are in excellent condition with just a couple of very minor handling marks. The case is in fine condition with most of its black cover showing only minor edge wear on the sharp edges and corners around the underside with the sliver hinges and locks all still complete. The bottom of the case is split and drops when lifted (this could easily be repaired). The green felt lining is in fine condition and shows only minor wear marks where the pistol was inserted and removed from the case. The white lining inside the lid is all complete, but it does show several area of staining from the outside side edges of the pistol and accessories with a few minor material separations in the upper left corner. The accessories are all in very fine condition. Overall, an exceptional example of a scarce cased Bittner repeating pistol.

Details

ManufacturerBittner Gustav

Model1893

TypePistol

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge7.7 mm

Barrel6 inch octagon

Finishblue

Gripwalnut checkered

Item LocationRock Island, IL