^Lot 1488 SELDOM ENCOUNTERED & ATTRACTIVE BAVARIAN WWI ISSUE

STEYR-HAHN "1918" DATE MODEL 1912 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Steyr. S# 13688. Bbl. 5 1/8". 1 of only 16,000 total Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 semi-automatic pistols mfg. by Steyr for the Bavarian military during WWI. The first batch, ordered in 1916 consisted of 10,000 guns in their own non-suffixed S# range, with an additional 6,000 ordered in 1918 continuing that S# range. This example, mfg. in 1918, falls within the middle of production for the second batch. The left side of the slide is marked with the S# "13688", followed by "STEYR 1918", a "K" proof (repeated on extractor, frame, follower, and slide safety lever), and "S" safety marking. Left side of the frame is marked with the S#, followed by a German WWI reichsadler proof. Right side of the frame is marked with an Austrian military "W-n (AUSTRIAN COAT OF ARMS) 18" acceptance proof. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, with some small parts exhibiting a straw finish. Bbl. is properly polished in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Dovetailed blade front sight, with integral V-notch rear sight on grasping grooves. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, and bbl. CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their original arsenal blue finish, showing some light to mild edge wear, some scattered scratches and light superficial handling marks, as well as some scattered spots of light surface oxidation overall. Grip straps exhibit streaks of thinning that are fading to gray patina. Trigger, hammer, and extractor have been cleaned in-the-white, exhibiting scattered spots of light pitting and age related discoloration. Slide safety lever retains fair amounts of its straw finish, showing wear fading to gray patina. Frame and grip screw are very good overall. Bbl. retains a bright appearance, exhibiting some spots of light pitting and age related discoloration. Virtually mirror bore, exhibiting some very light surface level pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Grips show light wear and some superficial handling marks, but otherwise remain very good overall. Left grip panel exhibits a small chip at the bottom of the grip screw slot. A scarce and especially attractive example of a Bavarian WWI Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 semi-automatic pistol. (25-5447/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-2,000.