This is an exceptional example of a seldom found Bergmann Model 1896 Number 2 semi-automatic pistol that was 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 "274" is stamped on the right front side of the frame. Fitted with fully checkered grips with a lanyard loop on the butt.

Extremely fine with 85% original blue finish remaining, areas of mild edge wear, scattered surface scratches and nicks, and 70% original straw colors on the small parts. Grips are also very fine with a barely noticeable small chip absent the top front of the left panel, mildly worn checkering, and some small dings. Mechanically excellent.