Pieper Bayard Model 1908 Pocket Pistol

Description

9/29/25 - This is a Belgian Pieper "Bayard" Model 1908 Pocket Pistol. “Model 1908” has become a standard designation for this gun, after the date the U.S. patent was issued, but it was not used by the Pieper company, which always referred to the gun as the Bayard Self-Loading Pistol, or simply as the Bayard Pistol. After 1923, when it was superseded by a newer model, it was referred to as the “Old Model Bayard.” The Bayard pocket models were made by Anciens Etablissements Pieper (A.E.P.) and were produced in three calibers: 6 .35, 7.65, and 9mm. The first to be produced was the so called Model of 1908 which appeared in late 1909 or early 1910. The first advertisement of this pistol appeared in the April 1, 1910, issue of Schuss and Waffe. The design was based on patents taken out by B. Clarus from 1905 to 1907 and purchased by A.E.P. in 1907 or early in 1908. This particular gun is chambered in 6.35mm. This one is all matching and has retained about 90% of its original finish, with wear on the high edges, a hint around the muzzle, and some areas of light patina throughout. Some thinning on the front grip strap and under the trigger guard. Very nice horn grips, but there is some minor cracking and areas of missing material along the bottom of each panel. Bore is generally bright with sharp rifling and moderate frost. Comes with one correct magazine that has been refinished over pitting, making the caliber marking difficult to read.