This is a very fine example of a very early two-digit serial number (#59) cased, complete Ludwig Loewe & Co. Model 1893 Borchardt pistol. It includes the original black leather carrying case and a full complement of accessories with two magazines (one is matching).
The chamber area of the barrel extension is marked in three lines "WAFFENFABRIK/LOEWE/BERLIN" and the right side of the receiver is marked "SYSTEM BORCHARDT PATENT". The top of the toggle link is stamped "N.R.P./No. 75837".
The pistol serial number "59" is visible on the stock lug, the bottom of the pistol grip, the left side of the trigger, and the rear underside of the barrel.
The lower edge of the detachable stock and the dummy magazine is marked "GESETZLICH GESCHUTZT", literal translation: "LAW PROTECTED", meaning protected under patent law.
The left side of the barrel has the standard Crown over B, U, and G proofs. The left front edge of the barrel extension, the left side of the breechblock, and the toggle assembly have the standard Crown over the B and U acceptance proofs.
As noted, this is a complete Borchardt cased set with:
- two nickel-plated wooden base magazines
- a wooden dummy magazine with brass oiler on the bottom and cleaning jag
- a detachable wooden stock with a detachable cheekpiece
- a black leather sling
- a brass cleaning rod
- detachable screwdriver blades
- a wooden handle for the cleaning rod and screwdrivers
- two steel punches
- a round, silver-plated, brass oil can
- a small tin of Vaseline (lubrication) that is marked "Made by the Carl Abermann & Co. Frankfurt"
- a reproduction manual for this rare pistol is also included
The luggage-type case is covered with black leather and has a brass oval nameplate in the center of the lid and nickel-plated fittings. The case interior is lined with green velvet and divided into eight compartments.
Overall, ths gun is excellent, with 96%+ of the original blue finish. The balance of the blue finish is solid and shows only very minor edge wear, the grips are both in excellent condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides with minimal handling marks overall.
The walnut shoulder stock and cheekpiece are both in excellent condition showing only minor handling marks overall. The magazines and internal metal parts are all in excellent original condition. One magazine is numbered on the gun, while the other is numbered "595". The black leather carrying case is in fine condition overall with complete and intact hinges and locks. All the internal compartment dividers are complete and solid. This is certainly one of the best of the very rare and highly desirable early Borchardt rigs available.
