*Semmerling LM4 Cutaway Pistol

.45 ACP. 2.45" barrel length. SN: 474. Blued metal finish with polished barrel flanks and matte finish elsewhere mounting checkered black synthetic grips. Cutaway demonstrator of a detachable magazine fed manually cycled repeating pistol with manually engaged lock to right frame and DAO trigger. Maker marks to left slide read MOD. LM-4/PATENTS PENDING forward of cocking serrations and SEMMERLING CORP./BOSTON, MASS. behind serrations. Right slide marked CAL.45 ACP over chamber and STD. MIL. SPEC. CTG. ONLY over serial number to right muzzle. Item has been extensively cut away to reveal the operating components, with red paint added to metal surfaces to preserve and highlight the cuts.

WARNING: Cutaway pistol retains a firing pin for function demonstration. Cuts compromise integrity, and this pistol should never be fired under any circumstances.

Designed by Philip R. Lichtmann and patented in 1977, the Semmerling LM-4 pistol was offered for sale beginning in 1979 as a large caliber backup gun for the discerning buyer. Despite its outward appearance, the handgun is manually cycled either by grasping the slide with the supporting hand or by flicking the weapon aggressively in the event the user must rely on only one hand. Though unorthodox, this method of operation permitted the handgun to be produced in an extraordinarily compact size for its caliber. From the top of the rear sight to the base of the magazine floorplate, the pistol measures 3.75 inches. At approximately 5.25" in length, the handgun offered a .45 ACP weapon in a package small enough for ankle carry.

Despite these advantages, the pistol's method of operation remained slower than a contemporary double-action revolver. Paired with its exceptional cost of $645 (Approximately $2,470 as of 2025), this unorthodox pistol failed to achieve great market success. Approximately 600 examples were produced in total, rendering it a rare and fascinating development in subcompact carry technology. {MODERN}

From the Collection of Jeffrey W. Sanner

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Excellent. Bore shows grease residue throughout that should clean to Minty with sharp rifling. Metal finish shows some flecks of red paint on edges, spots of wear on edges of triggerguard, and the blue changing tone to plum overall. Grips exhibit some light scratches.

WARNING: Cutaway pistol retains a firing pin for function demonstration. Cuts compromise integrity, and this pistol should never be fired under any circumstances.

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The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Mr. Tim Carey

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

[email protected]513.666.4984

Mr. Carey joined Cowan’s, a Freeman's company, in 2021 and is a 40-year veteran of the sporting arms and outdoor recreation industry. Carey joined Cowan’s from Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farms in Andover, N.J., where he was responsible for the acquisition, appraisal, and consignment of top-tier firearms consignments from important makers such as James Purdey & Sons of London, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, B. Rizzini, Bertuzzi, Renato Telo, and Anderson Wheeler.

Mr. Tim Prince

Senior Consulting Specialist, Arms, Armor & Militaria

[email protected]312 280 1212

Tim Prince has more than 30-years of experience in the field of antique and collectible arms and is a nationally recognized expert in the area of Civil War small arms. A long-time researcher and author, Tim has been a contributing author to two major books about Civil War firearms, including The English Connection: Arms, Material and Support Furnished to the Confederate States of America by Great Britain (2014) and Confederate Shotguns and Southern Agent Marked Shotguns (2017). He was also a major contributor to the recently updated Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values – 2nd Edition (2019) as well as the 2010 updates to the Civil War Collector's Price Guide - 12th edition. Over the last decade Tim has authored more than 50 articles on 19th century collectible and military arms, which have been published in such varied publications as Civil War News, North-South Trader, and Military Antique Collector. Since 2016 has appeared as a featured appraiser in the field of Arms & Militaria on the popular PBS television series Antiques Roadshow. He is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and currently serves on the board of directors of that organization. He is also a member of and formerly served on the board of directors of the Society of American Bayonet Collectors. Tim is a life member of the Ohio Valley Military Society, the Tennessee Military Collectors Association, the Alabama Military Collectors Association, is a member of the Company of Military Historians and is a member of numerous other colleting groups and societies. He is the owner of College Hill Arsenal, a web based antique and collectible arms retail web site, specializing in the American Civil War and related military items. Tim has engaged in the business of buying, selling, researching, and appraising antique and collectible arms and associated military items for some three decades. Since 2016 he has also served as a senior Consulting Specialist in the field of Arms, Armor & Militaria for Cowan’s Auctions, a Freeman's Company.

Arms, Armor and Militaria

*Semmerling LM4 Cutaway Pistol

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