Bittner Repeating 1893 Pistol, 87, PCA-200

Description

Synopsis:

Beautiful and all-original Bittner Model 1893, Austrian Repeating Pistol, this example made 1897, instantly recognizable as the immediate predecessor to the modern semiautomatic pistol. ANTIQUE!!!

Description:

This repeating pistol was made in Austria, beginning in 1896, and chambered for the proprietary 7.7mm Bittner cartridge. As the guns were serialed internally, an issue overlooked by most authors, production numbers have been cited from a low of 500 to a high of nearly 3000. The confusion usually relates to the markings under the barrel, that reflect the pistol’s sequence in Vienna’s proof house. This one, #87 on frame under grip, not disassembled, was Austrian proof numbered 1821 and dated 1897. As true for all Bittners, it is chambered for the 7.7mm cartridge and has a 6” largely octagonal barrel, round where it meets the receiver, with a matted top surface. Fitted with a fixed bi-concave front sight and a cursive rear sight graduated from 50, 100, and 150 meters. The top of the receiver is marked with the Austrian eagle. The right side of the receiver “PATENT BITTNER” over the encircled trademark. Virtually all components of the pistol were color case hardened except the barrel that was originally browned and the sights that were fire blued. A checkered walnut insert is in the forend. Checkered walnut grips secured with a single transverse screw. At the base is a lanyard ring.

Condition:

VG -EXC original condition with the barrel retaining most of its original brown finish, thinning and etching on top and near the muzzle. The case hardening is wonderfully vibrant on both sides of the receiver and frontstrap. Faded fire blue on front sight and dulling of case colors around ring and backstrap. Comparable condition wood with staining and handling marks as carefully photographed. Partial lanyard ring. Repeater action is crisp, with a strong return spring. Bright bore with deep rifling. A very nice example of a rare and classic repeater pistol, Europe’s counterpart to the Volcanic, whose brief production set the stage for the soon-to-appear semiautomatic pistols!