Manufactured in the 1890s by the firm of Ludwig Loewe (later DWM), the Model 1893 was the work of Hugo Borchardt, and was among the first viable semi-automatic pistol designs to hit the commercial market. The Borchardt Pistol was also an important forerunner to the work of Georg Luger, who would refine the core mechanical principles of the Borchardt to make his own eponymous and world famous handgun. Fixed blade and notch sights, with "WAFFENFABRIK/LOEWE/BERLIN." on top of the chamber, "SYSTEM BORCHARDT. PATENT." on the right side of the frame, and the patent marking "D.R.P./No. 75837" on the front toggle link. A series of "crown/letter" (B, U, and G) proofs are present on the barrel, extension, and toggle assembly, with the "172,28" bore diameter on the left side of the barrel and matching external serial numbers. Fine niter blue and straw colors are present on the small parts, with smooth borders on the finely checkered hardwood grip panels and a set of three nickel finished wood base magazines; matching numbers are present on both grip panels (black ink) and all three of the magazine bases (stamped). Included in the grouping is a matching numbered hardwood shoulder stock properly marked "GESETZLICH GESCHUTZT" on the lower edge with attached leather holster, a detachable cheek piece which is also numbered to match, a glass oil bottle, a small screwdriver with interchangeable blades, and a brass oiler/cleaning rod with hardwood storage case/hold-open devices. The full set fits into an included leather upholstered luggage case. Also included is duo of walnut stands. A number of periodicals related to the Borchardt Pistol are also included, in particular photocopies of the September 2017 issue of Automatic Magazine featuring an article written by Klaus Meyer, where he uses this cased Borchardt set as a centerpiece. Provenance: The Klaus Meyer Collection

Exceptionally fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing mild edge wear, areas of gray patina, and minor spotting and handling marks overall. 40% of the bright niter blue is present on the small parts, with a similar amount of straw. The grips are also very fine, with some minor dings. The holster shows cracking, flaking and wear appropriate to age and use, and the oil bottle is missing the stopper, otherwise the accessories are in good order overall. The case has a prominent split in the lid (also visible in the photos for the Meyer article), and shows overall wear and staining proper for a well traveled antique case. Mechanically excellent.