Bergmann was one of the reasonably successful yet relatively unknown manufacturers of early automatic pistols. Originally a delayed blowback patent purchased by Bergmann, the design was refined and simplified by none other than Louis Schmeisser into the 1896 Bergmann, in three different calibers (5mm No.2, 6.5mm No.3, and 8mm No.4). Its evolutuion would continue into a locked-breech design using the more powerful 9x23mm cartridge and the later variations would see use as late as WWII.
If you would like more information on the No.3 Bergmann, have a look at my more extensive article on it.
Thanks Ian. As always– excellent presentation.
Nice interesting defensive pistol.
For the model you displayed (#4 I think?), what is the availability of ammunition and clips for it.
Easy or hard to find as well as expensive?
Regards
Pat
Ammo-one http://www.ammo-one.com/PistolCartridgeStock-obsolete.html
lists “5mm Bergmann” and “6.5mm Bergmann” as a “are not in stock”
municion org knows following Bergmann cartridge:
5mm Bergmann 1894 (grooveless)
5mm Bergmann 1896 (grooved version of above)
6.5mm Bergmann Nº 3 1894 (grooveless)
6.5mm Bergmann Nº 3 1896 (grooved version of above)
7.5 Bergmann nº 4A
7.8×25 Bergmann Nº5
8mm Bergman-Simplex also known as 8mm Bergmann Nº6
8×22 Bergmann Nº4 (different than above)
9mm Bergmann-Bayard (9×23)
Hard to find and expensive. I have never actually seen either for sale in person.
You could probably make them out of 7.62×25. With the help of a lathe if necessary to take a fraction off the rim.
Getting the clips might be more of a challenge though…
Beautiful piece of history. While the en-bloc clip was probably not a good idea (exposed underside invites mud), the concept of a relatively fast reload (compared to loading a revolver without moon clips or half moon clips) was a good idea for semi auto handguns. Nobody wants to fiddle around with individual cartridges in the dark.
Or am I wrong?
Regarding the “278” and “611” markings – reader Bob Taylor posted the following comment in your article on the Bergemann Number 3:
Well, I’ll be. Very cool!