This is an excellent example of a very late production Bergmann New Model 1896 Number 4 semi-automatic pistol. Theodore Bergman was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s. These M1896 commercial pistols are very difficult to find as very few were produced with even fewer examples brought back by GIs after WWII. This model was manufactured right at the end of production as it is estimated that approximately 1000-1500 total were produced between 1897 and mid 1898 with most examples being in the 6.5 and very few examples manufactured in the scarce "8mm" cartridge. It still retain the distinctive flat top bolt and top cover with the thin, lightweight firing pin, the two angled cuts on the right side of the frame. This model has the integral magazine that sits in front of the trigger. The right side of the pistol has an oval shaped logo that depicts a "mountain man" holding a pick behind his back with sunrays emanating from behind him. The top of the oval is marked "Gaggenau", and the lower area is marked " V.C.S. Suhl", indicting that these pistols were manufactured by the Schilling Company. The serial number "2429" is stamped on the right front area of the frame and again on the back side of both grip panels. The left side of the barrel is marked "156/14" followed by a "Double Crown/U" proofmark. The lower front edge of the frame is stamped "PATENT/BREVET/S.G.D.G." The upper left side of the frame is also stamped with a small "Double Crown/U" proof. It is fitted with a set of matching walnut checkered grips.