Bayard 1908

1. Technische Daten & Identifikation

Hersteller: Anciens Établissements Pieper (AEP)

Production location: Herstal, Belgium

Model: Bayard Taschenpistole Modell 1908

Serial number: 1382

Calibre: 7,65 mm Browning (.32 ACP)

Cocking system: Mass-lock (spring guide above the barrel)

Magazine capacity: 5 rounds (horizontal ridge on magazine base missing)

2. Historical Classification & Production Period

Estimated year of manufacture: Late 1909 or early 1910.

Production context: Early civilian pre-war production. The weapon comes from the absolute first production phase shortly after the start of sales. It differs significantly from the later mass productions of World War I (no German military acceptance stamps, purely Belgian civilian proof marks).

Constructive Feature: Historically regarded as one of the most compact and flattest pocket pistols ever designed for the relatively strong 7.65 mm caliber.

3. Condition & Preservation Grade

Bluing: Original preserved. No signs of re-bluing or deep rust corrosion. Age-related, minimal wear traces (patina) are considered authentic and increase value at this age.

Grips: Original black hard rubber grips with the "Bayard" inscription. Fully undamaged, no cracks or breaks (high rarity value, as the material often becomes brittle with age).

Overall condition: Very good (collector's condition grade 1-2 for historical pre-war firearms).

4. Markings & Stamps (Targeted Comparison)

Linke Schlittenseite: * CAL. 7.65 MODELE DEPOSE *

Left frame side: company logo (knight on horse / "Bayard") and inscription Anciens Établissements Pieper Herstal-Belgique.

Proof marks: Belgian proof marks from the Lüttich Proof House (including the stylized tower "Perron", the lion above "PV", and the crowned "E L G" in an oval).