This is an example of an late production Bergman Model 1897 Number 5 semi-automatic pistol with the rare combination leather holster/shoulder stock. These Number 5 pistols were very unique and very complex 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 Model 1897 Number 5 being one of his best designs. 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 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 not interchangeable. As noted, it has a detachable box magazine which is fairly unique at this time as most pistols of the era had an internal magazine. 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 uses a detachable combination leather holster/shoulder stock, similar to the 1896 Mauser pistols. However, the stock was actually comprised of 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 is numbered "260," the front of the holster/stock is numbered "093," and it has the refinished "matching" box magazine that is correctly numbered "260". 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. The left side of the sight is marked: "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. 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.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original factory blue finish overall, slight edge and high spot wear on the sides of the receiver, and some thinning and browning on the grip straps. The smaller parts retain 75% of their refurbished straw colors with some parts showing more color especially in the protected areas. The grips are in fine condition with visible checkering on both sides showing wear overall. The leather holster is in very fine condition with a very nice supple outer cover and tight stitching. The metal attaching iron retains 95% of its heat blued finish overall. A really nice, sharp looking early Bergman Model 1897 No. 5 semi-automatic pistol with the combination shoulder stock/holster.