Bergmann No.1 (1894)
Theodor Bergmann Waffenfabrik · Pistol · Prototype · 1894
Also known as: Bergmann-Schmeisser 1894, Bergmann Model 1894
Overview
The Bergmann No.1 of 1894 was one of the earliest self-loading pistols, developed by Louis Schmeisser and manufactured by Theodor Bergmann. A simple blowback design firing the underpowered, steeply conical 5mm Bergmann cartridge, it was distinguished by having no extractor at all: spent cases were blown clear by residual chamber pressure through the case mouth. Rounds were fed from a fixed magazine loaded by a Mannlicher-style clip that ejected through a bottom opening. Only a handful were built before the design was superseded by the commercially successful Bergmann No.2 of 1896.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 241 g (8.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Barrel Length | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 183 m/s (600 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 40 J (30 ft·lbf) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5mm Bergmann · primary — also known as 5mm Bergmann No.2, 5x15mm Bergmann
- 8mm Bergmann
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Clip Fed Internal Magazine
- Features: No Extractor, Clip Fed Fixed Magazine, Bottom Clip Ejection, Recoil Spring Below Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Army (trials)
Production
Production years: 1894-1895
Prototype-only; very few built (known serial numbers no higher than the mid-teens). Described as the rarest major Bergmann type.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1896
Notes
Extremely rare prototype-stage pistol. Toolroom/pocket prototypes measured roughly 140 mm overall, while the larger Swiss military-trials examples were far bigger (~279 mm overall, ~1,029 g). Specs here reflect the small commercial prototype. 5mm Bergmann case length unconfirmed.
Background
The 1894 dispensed with an extractor entirely, relying on blowback pressure to spit the spent case out the muzzle-end of the chamber. The trick worked in clean conditions but proved a dead end, and the underpowered 5mm round was so weak its long bullet tumbled in flight.