The HSc that I picked up last week also saw me pick up a Pieper Bayard "1908" in .25ACP. I didn't post it yet because it has a broken sear and is missing two grip screws and the right grip panel. All of those pieces are on their way here as I type this, but I figured I'd get it all back together before posting it. This is important to the story because I figured out, upon thinking about it, that the HSc and Bayard were just two pieces of a collection that someone dumped at a local pawn shop in Frederick. The HSc ran me $275. The .25 Bayard was only $99, and there were three other European vest pistols in the case with those two. All three were advertised for $99. They had been sitting a while (much like the HSc) and they wanted to get rid of them. Realizing that they were all bring-backs from the war, I offered up $250 for the final three that were in the case and I brought them home today.
First up is your typical Eibar copy of the FN-1907/Colt 1908 vest pistol. The interesting thing about this one is that it is in .25ACP, not .32, and it doesn't have any maker's hallmarks on it. The language on the slide appears as part of the full roll mark for the "Protector" pistols of the same design, but this particular pistol isn't "named" that way. It also has the same grips that I've seen on other "Protector" models with the "Cal 6.35" in a rondel at the top. The serial number is a mere 3 digits (938) and the machining is surprisingly good for an Eibar piece. It is clearly an early production model from the S/N and I am very curious as to what its actual age is. I'll likely never know since the provenance of these types of pistols is very difficult to figure out. Unfortunately, the right grip has bowed from storage and there's a large gap. I'll likely pick up some repros to have, but keep the OG grips on hand.
Below you can clearly see the roll mark verbiage. The "Model Automatic Pistol" graced later "Protector" pistols that then had the "Protector" name below the rest of the markings.
That's a low S/N
Very little exterior muzzle wear and pitting vs other examples I've seen.
Here you can see where the right grip has bowed out over time, likely from improper storage.
First up is your typical Eibar copy of the FN-1907/Colt 1908 vest pistol. The interesting thing about this one is that it is in .25ACP, not .32, and it doesn't have any maker's hallmarks on it. The language on the slide appears as part of the full roll mark for the "Protector" pistols of the same design, but this particular pistol isn't "named" that way. It also has the same grips that I've seen on other "Protector" models with the "Cal 6.35" in a rondel at the top. The serial number is a mere 3 digits (938) and the machining is surprisingly good for an Eibar piece. It is clearly an early production model from the S/N and I am very curious as to what its actual age is. I'll likely never know since the provenance of these types of pistols is very difficult to figure out. Unfortunately, the right grip has bowed from storage and there's a large gap. I'll likely pick up some repros to have, but keep the OG grips on hand.
Below you can clearly see the roll mark verbiage. The "Model Automatic Pistol" graced later "Protector" pistols that then had the "Protector" name below the rest of the markings.
That's a low S/N
Very little exterior muzzle wear and pitting vs other examples I've seen.
Here you can see where the right grip has bowed out over time, likely from improper storage.
Nice shape and an uncommon pistola.
