This is an exceptional example of a rare model 1898 Schwarzlose self-loading semi-automatic "prototype" pistol. This model was originally designed by Andreas Schwarzlose of Prussia who was most noted for his early water cooled machine gun designs. During the late 1800s there were several companies developing semi-automatic pistols for the world market but only a handful would actually prove to be successful, consequently any of these early semi-automatic pre-1899 pistols are extremely rare. Although the Schwarzlose pistol was not one of the most successful pistols, the uniqueness of the design was actually revolutionary and could almost be considered a prototype with very few ever manufactured. The functioning of this model is based on what is termed a rotating bolt mechanism and is actually very similar in design to the current M16 series of rifles, only 110 years earlier. This pistol has a one-piece rotating bolt/upper rear receiver that has four locking lugs around the bolt head itself. The breech end of the barrel is also machined with four matching corresponding locking lugs. When a cartridge is fired, the pressure of the cartridge actually drives the barrel slightly rearward which in turns pushes the entire bolt rearward to start the unlocking sequence. This rearward movement allows the bolt/upper receiver to extract and eject the cartridge. The rear of the receiver has a small lug pinned in place in the center that fits into a race-way or track on the underside of the bolt that actually rotates the bolt itself, as it moves rearward. This model of pistol fires the 7.63 Mauser cartridge and has a machined steel clip that loads through the butt of the pistol. It has a double cocking levers on the rear end of the bolt with a striker acting as a loading indicator on the rear of the pistol. It is fitted with a high front sight and a rotating/adjustable rear sight that is graduated from 1-5 (100-500 meters?). The left side of the barrel, upper receiver and bolt all have the 1891 era German "Double Crown/ U" proofmark. There is no serial number in the usual left side of frame area, as an aforementioned proof occupies that position. Fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips. Typically there were serial numbered on various components, but this pistol is void of any numbers, which may indicate that it was a very early pistol. It currently retains its rust blued finish on the bolt and barrel with a straw colored trigger, cocking indicator and two large levers on the left side. The original, unnumbered, all blued magazine has a very unique one-piece "horn" floor plate the is pinned to the base of the magazine. This base plate acts as means to withdrawn the magazine more than as a finger rest.

Very fine with 80% of the original blue finish mixed with some old touch up blue finish on the flats and underside of the receiver. The walnut grips are in fine condition with a slightly darker color on the left side, both showing only minor handling marks, with nice, distinct checkering on both sides. Mechanically functions fine, but is a little stiff in operation. A very rare example of an early "prototype" Model 1898 Schwarzlose self-loading semi-automatic pistol.