GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
BSA PROTOTYPE PISTOL IN 7.65MM. BSA PROTOTYPE PISTOL 9B 7.65MM MODERN; IMPORT Cal. 7.65mm. Traditionally constructed BSA experimental, closely modeled after the FN M1910, with 3-5/8" bbl. Unmarked slide with dished sighting plane having shallow front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. Originally unmarked frame now serialed "9B" on left side, just forward of grip panel, for purpose of importation. Thumb safety on left tang and grip safety that is marked "COCKED" on left side, and "ARMEE" on right side. Bottom magazine release is checkered on each side. Plain magazine without indicator holes having a split tail base. Hard rubber grips molded with the oval 3-rifle BSA logo surrounded by fine bordered checkering. In 1919 – 1920 Birmingham Small Arms were persuaded to design a series of pistols to utilize special belted case cartridges designed by Eley Bros as a consequence of the expiry of the Holland belted case patent, but these never proceeded beyond the prototype stage. This pistol was originally chambered for the .28" BSA belted cartridge, but was modified, of which the pistol bears evidence, to use a common production caliber, the .32 ACP. PROVENANCE: Illustrated HBSA Journal, Vol 2, No.7. Dinely collection. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Approx 90-95% orig blue with handling wear on slide along with thinning of frontstrap & backstrap. Comparable condition magazine. Grip panels slightly warped with age appropriate handling marks but no cracks or chips. Bright, near mirror bore. Perfect manual mechanics. An extremely rare gun, detailed in the accompanying article in [i]Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association[/i], Vol. II, No. 7, written by Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, that was never placed into production. 43475-272 LMA97 (3,000-5,000)