This is a very rare example of a very early Swiss prototype pistol Model 1895 developed by the Swiss designer Bernhardt Mueller. There is very little information known on this pistol, but it was an early attempt at developing a semi-automatic pistol. The only marks are on the right side of the upper area of the frame that reads: " Pat. B. Mueller Zch. 1895". This very unique pistol uses a direct-blowback type action with an unusual swinging breechblock that actually moves in an arc inside the frame. It also uses a very heavy robust hammer that also swings in an arc, which strikes the firing pin in a downward glancing blow versus a straight inline hit. It has a conventional revolver style grip, somewhat similar to the Swiss 1882 revolver. The interesting aspect of this model is that it uses a "split" frame type action similar to the Japanese Type 26 revolver. There is a large hinge on the front of the frame, with a large retaining screw on the right rear end of the frame that holds the action together. Once you remove this screw, the left side of the receiver with swings open, exposing all the internal components. It has a 4 1/4 inch barrel with a barrel banded front sight base that has the same overall configuration as the early Swiss Lugers. The rear sight is actually a simple notch in the top rear section of the frame. It loads via stripper clips through the top of the pistol; however, there is no internal follower or spring, so it might use a small clip like an early Bergmann or Steyr. In the book "Arms and Armament of the Swiss Army from 1817" by Reinhardt and Rhyn, on page 71 there is another different Model 1902 semi-automatic pistol also credited to Bernhard Mueller. A very rare and interesting early Swiss prototype pistol.

Very fine with 85% of a Swiss armory blue finish that mixed with a brown/gray patina. The front sight is absent. The grips are also in very fine condition. Mechanically functions fine, but there is no feed system for cartridges. A very interesting early Swiss prototype pistol.