This is an example of a mid-production Bergmann Model 1896 Number 3 semi-automatic pistol in 6.5 mm. Theodore Bergman was a pioneer in developing semi-automatic pistols in Europe in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Originally manufactured in 5mm, 6.5 and later 8mm cartridges very few of these pistols were actually manufactured (approximately 2,500 total) with even fewer examples surviving WWII with most good examples brought back by Gis after WWII. This model was his most successful commercial pistol and has the distinctive flat top bolt and top cover with the thin, lightweight firing pin, the two angled cuts on the right side of the frame. This model has the integral magazine that sits in front of the trigger and loads with stripper clips through the top of the action. The right side of the pistol has oval shaped logo that depicts a "mountain man" holding a pick behind his back with sunrays emanating from behind him. The top of the oval is marked "Gaggenau", and the lower area is marked " V.C.S. Suhl", indicting that these pistols were manufactured by the Schilling Company. The serial number "1632" is stamped on the right front area of the frame and again on the back side of both grip panels. The left side of the barrel is marked with the bore diameter "278" followed by a "Double Crown/U" proofmark. The lower front edge of the frame is stamped "PATENT/BREVET/S.G.D.G." The upper left side of the frame is also stamped with a small "Double Crown/U" proof. It is fitted with a set of matching walnut checkered grips.

Very fine with 95% of the professionally restored rust blue finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear, with a very small spot of erosion on the lower front right edge of the magazine plate below the large screw. The smaller parts retain 90% of their straw colors overall with most of the wear on the right side of the trigger. The safety lever retains 90% of its heat blued finish. The walnut grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides, showing only minor handling marks.