Guns International #: 101916712
Seller's Inventory #: CM22-643

Category - Military Pistols - German - Military Arms

Category
Military Pistols - German
Military Arms

**SOLD** 1908-09 Vintage Schwarzlose Model 1908 Pistol in .32 ACP ** Rare Pistol w/ Blow-Forward Action! **

Description:
This is a rare Schwarzlose Model 1908 pistol chambered in .32 ACP.  The Schwarzlose 1908 was designed by the well-known machinegun designer Andreas Schwarzlose and put into production in Germany in 1908 thru 1911.  It was a very unique design in that it uses a blow-forward barrel design rather than a slide that blows back.  The barrel assembly is pushed forward by gas pressure and the friction of the bullet traveling down the barrel which compresses a return spring that pushes the barrel backwards once the bullet leaves the barrel, striping a new round out of the magazine and returning to battery.  The spent cartridge is ejected during the first part of the barrel travel forward.  While the design did function it was not well-liked as it was somewhat awkward to operate.  The Model 1908 was finished in a gloss blue from the factory and also featured a front-mounted grip safety, a heel mounted magazine release, checkered hard rubber grips, fixed iron sights, and a 6-round single stack detachable magazine.  The Schwarzlose was stamped with a neat manufacturer's mark on the left side of the pistol consisting of a water-cooled Schwarzlose Model 1907 Machinegun on a tripod.  This particular Model 1908 is unmarked other than the machinegun makers mark, a "Crown U" and "Crown R" on the right side of the frame behind the trigger and on the barrel extension, and the serial number "181", also on the barrel extension (only visible with the barrel in the forward position).  All of the original blue on this pistol has turned to a brown blue, however the bore is in excellent condition.  While the exterior shows a lot of age and patina the mechanics seem to be in good working order.  This pistol looks like it certainly was carried in WW1.  The checkered hard rubber grips are still intact but show wear that is consistent with the rest of the pistol.  The original magazine is still in the gun and all of the controls are in good working order.  This Schwarzlose Model 1908 would be a great addition to any vintage German Military weapons collection or WW1 weapons collection as a real oddity in the development of semi-automatic handguns.  These pistols are quite rare due to the low number made and high rate of attrition due to two world wars, etc.  This is the first one we have had in decades. 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning SR)
Manufacturer: Schwarzlose
Model: Model 1908
Serial Number: 181
Barrel Length: 4.13
Condition: Good / Average
Metal Condition: Good / Average
Bore Condition: Excellent
Action: Semi-Auto (Blow-Forward Design)
Finish: Blued
Sights: Fixed Iron Sights
Manufacture Date: 1908-1909