Make: Steyr
Model: Pieper Model 1909, 3rd Series
Serial Number: 130227A
Year of Manufacture: 1934
Caliber: 6.35mm, .25 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Blow Back, Tip Up Barrel
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel assembly. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the breech-bolt assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black hard rubber with Steyr logos at their centers. The grips have even light handling wear with some scattered minor marks. There are a couple of more notable marks on the bottom of each panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few scattered minor nicks and small scratches. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fair-plus condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The sear engagement or disconnector is not functioning properly. The sear does not always catch when the slide is cycled and the sear will sometimes break with the trigger is released. This should be addressed prior to firing. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes a single 6-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Steyr 1909 Pieper is a fascinating little pistol that reflects the transitional era of early 20th-century handgun design. Built under Nicolas Pieper's patents and produced at Steyr in Austria, the model combined innovative ideas with the reliable simplicity of blowback operation. Its most distinctive feature is the tip-up barrel system, which allowed for easy chamber access and cleaning. Chambered in .25 ACP (6.35mm Browning), the pistol was small, concealable, and marketed as a personal defense gun during the interwar years.
This example, manufactured in 1934 and marked with both Steyr and Pieper patent information, remains in Fair-plus condition, retaining a great amount of finish for a pocket pistol of its age. There is an issue with the sear engagement or disconnector which should be addressed prior to firing. The pistol is from the 3rd and final series of the design, incorporating an extractor mounted into the breech-bolt assembly rather than relying on chamber pressure to push the casing out. It is also the most scarce of the variants, estimated at less than 2,000 made in total. For collectors of Steyr, pocket pistols, or early autoloading designs, this is a neat find. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
