Theodor Bergmann facts for kids

Theodor Bergmann (born May 21, 1850, in Sailauf – died March 23, 1931, in Gaggenau) was a German businessman. He was also an industrialist, which means he owned and managed large businesses. Bergmann is most famous for the new types of firearms his companies created.

Like many business owners at the time, he also worked with bicycles and early cars. Even though making weapons was not his main focus, he was very interested in it. This is why many of his pistols were made by other companies with his permission. He became well-known for inventing automatic pistols and their special ammunition.

Early Business Ventures

Theodor Bergmann was a busy inventor and businessman. Besides firearms, he was involved in other growing industries. He worked with bicycles, which were becoming very popular. He also played a part in the early days of cars. In 1910, Theodor Bergmann sold his car business to Carl Benz. Carl Benz is famous for inventing the first gasoline-powered automobile.

Bergmann's Pistol Designs

Theodor Bergmann was very active in designing new pistols. He patented a new pistol model almost every year. Some of his well-known designs include:

• Bergmann 1893
• Bergmann 1894
• Bergmann 1895
• Bergmann 1896
• Bergmann 1897 (also called Bergmann Pieper)
• Bergmann 1901 (also called Bergmann Simplex)
• Bergmann Mars
• Bergmann 1910

Machine Guns and World War I

Bergmann also designed a light machine gun called the Bergmann MG15 nA Gun. This machine gun used a special locking system that he patented in 1901. It was used even up to World War II as the MG 15 machine gun.

During World War I, in 1915, the German Rifle Testing Commission in Spandau wanted a new weapon. They needed a special weapon for fighting in trench warfare. At first, they thought about changing existing semi-automatic pistols. These included the Luger and C96 Mauser pistols.

However, these pistols were not strong enough for continuous automatic firing. They also struggled with the dirt and mud common on battlefields. Plus, these light weapons were hard to control when firing automatically. Because of these problems, the Commission decided they needed a completely new type of weapon.

The MP18 Submachine Gun

Hugo Schmeisser worked for Bergmann Waffenfabrik, which was Theodor Bergmann's weapon factory. Hugo Schmeisser was part of a team that designed this new weapon. It was called the MP18 or Maschinenpistole 18/I. This weapon was a very important step in the history of firearms.

Bergmann's Legacy

Theodor Bergmann's company continued to operate after his death. Today, his company still exists. However, it no longer makes firearms. Instead, it is a company that manufactures plastics.

Images for kids

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  Bergmann advertising 1900

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  Bergmann 1910/21

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  Bergmann car, 1901

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  Bergmann MP 18.1