Bergmann automatic pistols (and a bit more).

[P. Aloysius Regnad]

      Bergmann pistols were another attempt to bring semi-auto firearms into existence in the 1890s.  (The other best known types were the 1893 Borchardt, and 1896 Mauser.)

      Bergmann 1893:

      Bergmann 1894:

      Bergmann 1896:

      Bergmann 1897:

      Of these, the 1896 model is probably the best known.  Bergmann was originally unable to gear up their factory to manufacture these guns, and tried to contract with Mauser to produce them.  A handful of pre-production models were made, then Mauser backed out, due to having developed their own semi-auto handgun.  The 1896 was eventually put into production by Bergmann, but it never sold as well as the Mauser, or even the Borchardt.

      Now here's the bit more...

      The Broomhandle Mauser eventually became the basis for the blaster pistols used by Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films, by adding a small scope, a funnel on the end of the barrel, and some glued on heatsinks.   Later, the Bergmann became the influence for a Mandalorian blaster in the Star Wars realm.

      Clearly a Bergmannesque frame, although the hammer is still Mauserish.

      In addition, a "Bergmann 1911" appeared in the 1971 film "Big Jake", which starred John Wayne.  In fact, this gun was a prop, made from a Walther P-38 modified to resemble a Bergmann 1896.