Picked this up from my FFL today after winning it on a GB auction. Sadly it was refinished at one point, but it's still a Bayard and it's still an Imperial (made during the German occupation of Belgium during WW1) model. Also came with an original Audley Colt 1908 holster in really nice condition for it's age, which made the deal even sweeter.
These pistols were made until the 1930's in several different calibers, this particular one being a five-shot in 7.65mm or more popularly known in the US, .32 ACP. Smith & Wesson later borrowed elements of this design for their Model 61 / Escort pistol.
The Audley holster is unique in that you have to depress a tab within the holster using your index finger in order to remove the firearm. This holster was made for the Colt 1908 but fits this Bayard pretty well, and if I had to guess, some GI probably brought this back during one of the Wars and this was the best holster he could find to fit the bill.
These pistols were made until the 1930's in several different calibers, this particular one being a five-shot in 7.65mm or more popularly known in the US, .32 ACP. Smith & Wesson later borrowed elements of this design for their Model 61 / Escort pistol.
The Audley holster is unique in that you have to depress a tab within the holster using your index finger in order to remove the firearm. This holster was made for the Colt 1908 but fits this Bayard pretty well, and if I had to guess, some GI probably brought this back during one of the Wars and this was the best holster he could find to fit the bill.
