This is a very scarce example of a Bergmann Model 1896 Number 2 semi-automatic pistol as produced by V. Charles Schilling in Suhl. Theodore Bergman was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The magazine is integral to the pistol and is located in front of the trigger and has a magazine cover that swings down. This early pocket model is actually even more rare in that it has the early style folding trigger, which was dropped from the later models. The right side of the pistol has an oval shaped logo that depicts a "mountain man" holding a pick behind his back with sun rays showing from behind his back. The top of the oval is marked "Gaggenau," and the lower area is marked "V.C.S./SUHL". The left side of the barrel/receiver area has a "double crown" proofmark followed by "611", and the left side of the frame is marked "PATENT/BREVET/S.G.D.G." The serial number "31" is stamped on the right front side of the frame and the underside of the barrel. Included with the pistol is a black leather Brauer Brothers holster and a cardboard box.

Very fine, with 70% plus of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, bright edge wear, and scattered spotting and handling marks overall. 60% of the bright original straw colors remain on the small parts with 40% nitre blue on the remainder. The grips are also very fine, with a few dings. The box is fair, with some scuffs and tape damage, and the holster is cracked and scuffed; neither is original to the pistol. Mechanically excellent.