SCHONBERGER-LAUMANN M1892 self loading pistol
Sold in auction (March 2014) for $31,625.00
SN 10. Caliber 8mm. The first successful self-loading
pistol, developed from the Laumann Repeating Pistol for Austrian Army trials from 1892.
This second variation with flat sided frame has 6? bbl that assumes an octagonal form 1?
in front of the chamber with a drift adjustable front sight. SN 10 appears on the left
side of the bbl and is repeated on the left side of the frame along with
“WAFFENFABRIK STEYR”. On the right side is a large cocking lever that retracts
the bolt out the rear of the frame. After returning to battery, a cocking indicator (firng
pin extension) extends from the back of the bolt. Just above the tang is a large
transverse rotating holdopen/ safety whose left side is serrated. Pushing down on the left
side releases the bolt and allows the pistol to fire. In front of the cocking lever is a
3/8? diameter serrated button that acts as a charger release. The bbl and frame are rust
blued while the bolt and cocking lever are in-the-white. The safety and trigger are gray
case hardened. A large rotatable lanyard loop extends from the base of the frame.
PROVENANCE: Ex Visser collection, illustrated HBSA Journal Vol 2 No 6, illustr. TBLAP,
pictured Vom Ursprung der Selbstladepistole, page 184, 185. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey
Sturgess. CONDITION: 90% original blue with uniformly scattered frosting over the barrel
frame and grip straps. Comparable condition, untouched small parts. Original
grips with oil darkening and bordered checkering whose color and age are consistent with
the appearance of the pistol. Bright bore with strong rifling. Perfect mechanics. An
extremely unusual and historically very important prototype that could easily be the
centerpiece of any early automatic pistol collection.
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