9/16/21 - This is a nice example of a Rare Beretta Model 1915, Beretta's first semi-auto pistol. The Model 1915 came about when Beretta experienced a downturn in shotgun sales and sought to develop new products. Realizing the shortcomings of the then standard Italian military sidearm, the Glisenti 1910, Beretta set about designing a simpler and more robust pistol to sell to the Italian government. The Model 1915 was chambered for the 9mm Glisenti cartridge but was a simpler blow-back operated design than the Glisenti pistol. The Model 1915 has a number of unique features, some that are familiar even today. This one is all matching and was likely issued to the Royal Italian Army during WWI. They only made about 16,000 of these guns. It has retained roughly 60% of its original finish. Most of the finish loss is on the straps, but there is also wear on the high edges in general. Spotty wear on both sides of the slide. Spotty oxidation and patina throughout. Comes with excellent original wood grips and a period-correct magazine. The bore has decent rifling with spotty oxidation throughout. The safety lever is a little loose and does not hold the slide back on its own.
