This is an example of an extremely rare Bergman Model 1897 Number 5 semi-automatic pistol with the rare original combination leather holster/shoulder stock. These Number 5 pistols were very unique in that they incorporated a locked breech firing mechanism and a separate detachable box magazine. The Bergman series of semi-automatic pistol were probably one of the more innovative semi-automatics pistols that were designed in the late 1890s with this 1897 model being one of his best designs. Theodore Bergman was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s right along side with the Mauser, Borchardt, Luger and Walther factories during their early developmental years. These early commercial pistols are very difficult to find as so few were produced with even fewer surviving WWII. As noted, this model is fairly unique in that it has an outer barrel casing with an internal sliding barrel that is directly in line the breechblock. When fired the internal barrel recoils rearward about 6 mm to unlock the breech which then starts the extraction/ejection sequence of the pistol. These pistols were chambered for a 7.65mm Bergmann cartridge similar to the 7.63 mm Mauser round, but they are not interchangeable. This is a very complex pistol design for 1897. Additionally, as noted, it has a detachable box magazine while most pistols of the era had an internal magazine, and it also incorporated a bolt hold-open latch (both patented features) and had a gas port on the left side of the receiver to avoid any over pressure in the event there was a ruptured cartridge. Many of these features were later incorporated into the Bergman-Simplex model. As noted, this rare pistol was also designed to use a detachable combination leather holster/shoulder stock, similar to the 1896 Mauser pistols. The stock is actually a lightweight metal frame with a leather outer cover and a small pouch on the front. Originally intended to be sold as a commercial/military model, this pistol was never actually adopted by any country and only a few hundred were ever manufactured. The top of the breech bolt is marked with "PISTOLET BERGMANN/PATENT BREVETE S.G.D.G." The left side of the receiver has a "Double Crown/U" proof. The lower right side of the frame and the front of the holster/stock are both numbered "301," and the underside of the box magazine is numbered "271". The barrel casing is fitted with a fixed blade front sight, and the rear is fitted with a unique upside-down "U" shaped rear sight that is adjustable for elevation that is marked on the left side: "1-1000 METERS". It is fitted with a set of brown hard rubber, checkered grips with a single large letter "B" at the top of each panel. It has an all blued finish with the trigger, under lever, hammer and the two safety levers on the left side having a straw colored finish.

Very fine with 90% of the original blue finish still remaining overall with only minor edge and high spot wear. The right side of the frame is battered and the extractor appears to have been repaired. The smaller parts retain 50% of their straw colors overall mostly in the protected areas. The rear sight and safety lever both retain 85% of their heat blued finish with slightly more on the safety lever. The grips are both in fine condition with nice, distinct checkering and markings on both sides with 65% of the black protective coating on the outside of the grips. The stock is in poor condition overall with the metal frame still complete with most of the deterioratedy6 leather covering still on the frame with the bottom stitching still complete and tight. However, the outside leather cover is heavily flaking and showing much age cracking overall and is somewhat fragile. The rear flap has come off the holster and is included in a bag inside the holster. Although this holster seems to be in poor condition, these are so rare that most collectors count themselves lucky to even have seen one much get a chance to purchase one! Overall, this is a super example of an extremely rare early Bergmann Model 1897 Number 5 semi-automatic pistol with original matching leather holster/stock.