GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
ABSOLUTELY SUPERB BITTNER REPEATING PISTOL, MODEL 1893 WITH ORIGINAL CLIP. BITTNER 1893 2159 7.7 BITTNER Cal. 7.7 Bittner. One of the most recognizable repeating pistols, whose production has been variously estimated at between 500 - 3000 guns. This phenomenal example has a 6" bbl with a fixed front sight. The fire blued rear sight is a cursor mounted on a ramp marked in three gradations from 50-150. Top of the chamber is marked with the Eagle/3 Weipert proof mark while the right side of the frame is stamped "PATENT BITTNER" over an encircled logo containing an intertwined "GB" surmounting a "W" (Gustav Bittner, Weipert). This example is marked "2159.97" under the barrel, indicating that it was the 2159th pistol proofed in the Weipert Proof House in 1897. The formal SN, marked internally, was not accessed by this reviewer for fear of marring the sideplate screws. As true for all Bittners, the bbl is browned while the frame, sideplate, finger lever, safety and bolt cap are color case hardened. The bolt is in-the-white. Forend and grips are nicely checkered with blunted points as typical for this gun. Complete with an orig clip and presented in an attache carrying case, bound in light brown suede leather, internally lined with luxurious fabric and secured with two brass clasps. Pair of keys retained by a suede tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection - Germany. CONDITION: A simply superb pistol wherein the bbl retains 98% of its orig browned finish and the case hardening remains vivid under a lacquered coating, showing only minimal sharp edge wear and the slightest fading of the backstrap. Bright in-the-white bolt and extractor show no evidence of cleaning. Forend with a small missing chip on the right side at the upper rear corner. Grips with slight oil darkening and a few minute handling dings. Generally bright bore with strong rifling, showing corrosion in the grooves. Perfect mechanics. Case appears near new. A truly fantastic Bittner with clip that would be nearly impossible to upgrade! 49828-43 LMA (12,500-18,500)