Pieper Bayard Model 1908 .32 ACP Micro Pistol, Belgian Top-Eject, Pre-WWI, 2.25 in Barrel, 5+1
This Pieper (AEP) Bayard Model 1908 is a Belgian-made micro-size .32 ACP pistol with distinctive top ejection and an integral barrel. Its serial number indicates manufacture prior to World War I, aligning with the model’s early production era. Matching slide and frame numbers, Liège proof marks, and original Bayard branding add clear period authenticity.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Major pitting and finish wear are present on the slide. Scratches and blemishing are visible throughout the firearm.
What's Included
- Pieper Bayard Model 1908 pistol
- 1x 5-round steel magazine marked "Calib. 7.65" with witness holes
The Bayard Model 1908 uses a simple blowback action with an internal hammer and a manual safety. It retains the model’s heel magazine release and fixed sights (front blade, rear notch), plus rear slide serrations for manipulation. Capacity is 5+1, and the compact 2.25 in barrel supports the pistol’s micro profile.
Construction is all-steel, with the barrel integral to the frame and an internal spring buffer system. The design features the model’s characteristic top-ejecting slide with a long open slot. Disassembly is accomplished via a sliding front sight cover over the recoil spring.
Markings are consistent with early Belgian production: left slide legend "CAL. 7.65 MODELE DEPOSE"; left frame legend "ANCIENS ETABLISSEMENTS PIEPER – HERSTAL – BELGIUM" with the Bayard knight logo; the top of the slide reads "BREVETS S.G.D.G. PATENTED SEPT. 8 1908" (partially legible). Belgian Liège proofs are present, including PV, the perron (tower), star over R, star over B, and the oval ELG.
The slide and frame carry matching serial number 58832, and the owner notes that this serial indicates pre-WWI manufacture. The magazine is marked "Calib. 7.65" with witness holes. The Bayard Model 1908 was introduced circa 1909–1910 and remained in production into the late 1930s, with this example aligning to the early period.