This is an example of an early Bergmann Model 1896 Number 3 engraved semi-automatic pistol. Theodore Bergmann was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s right along side Mauser, Borchardt, Luger and Walther. These early commercial pistols are very difficult to find as few were produced and most were retained in Europe with a few surviving examples brought back by Gis after WWII. This early pistol has been very nicely engraved with a very delicate vine and floral type foliage engraving on both sides of the frame and top of the pistol. The vine and floral foliage has a very diminutive silver wire inlay with some very, very minor gold filled highlights on some of the petals of the flowers. The right side of the pistol has 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 "2181" is stamped on the right front area of the frame. The back side of each grip panel is stamped "2161". The left side of the barrel is marked with the bore diameter "278" 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. This model was his most successful commercial pistol and has the distinctive flat top bolt and top cover with the thin, lightweight firing pin and the two angled cuts on the right side of the frame. This model has the integral magazine that sits in front of the trigger and loads with stripper clips through the top of the action.

Fine with 80% of a period, possibly retailer applied, refinished blue finish with some minor edge and high spot wear and slight oxidation and wear on top of the barrel. The safety lever, spring and trigger all retain 85% of the heat blued finish overall. The grips are in fine condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides, showing minor light pressure dents in a few areas. The custom embellished grips fit perfectly and both sides have a fine custom applied engraving on the grip screw escutcheons consistent with the rest of the pistol.