This is an exceptional example of a rare all original, experimental Model 1898 Schwarzlose self-loading semi-automatic pistol that has the very rare slotted back strap designed for an early Schwarzlose shoulder stock. This model was originally designed by Andreas Schwarzlose of Prussia and proved to be one of a handful of companies who in the late 1800s were able to actually manufacture a truly successful semi-automatic pistol for sale on the world market. 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. This specific example has the very rare small "key slot" type hole in the upper rear area of the back strap specifically designed for the Schwarzlose combination shoulder stock/holster. This concept was not unique at this time as the Borchardt, Mauser, and Bergman companies were already using this idea. The Schwarzlose holster/stock actually looks more like a Bergman design as it is a leather covered steel frame with the front of the holster having a small key like stud that fit into the rear of the pistol. These stocks and pistols were only produced in an experimental basis with maybe only a few of either the pistols or stocks even surviving. The actual functioning of this model is based on a rotating bolt mechanism similar 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 raceway or track on the underside of the bolt that actually rotates the bolt itself as it moves rearward. Very similar mechanisms are used on both the Johnson automatic and Swiss K-31 rifles. This model fires the 7.63 Mauser cartridge and has a machined steel clip that loads through the butt of the pistol. It has double grasping/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 right side of the barrel, upper receiver and bolt all have the 1891 era German "Double Crown/U" proofmark. The left side of the frame, the rear of the bolt, and underside of the magazine are stamped with serial number "106," and the trigger, firing pin/striker and back sides of both grips are stamped with "06". It is fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips. They originally had a rust blued finish on the bolt and barrel with a straw colored trigger, cocking indicator, and two large levers on the left side.

Very good with an old period refurbished, dulled blue finish overall with thinning and oxidation on the grips strap with some old very minor erosion/fine pitting under the blue on top of the bolt and grip straps. The grips are in very good condition with half of their varnish overall with handling marks at the tops of both grips (in the smooth areas) with wear on both sides of the checkering areas. Mechanically needs work as the bolt does retract fine, but does not engage striker. This is a very scarce example of a early Schwarzlose self-loading pistol that is cut for the rare combination shoulder stock/holster.