Beretta spoon info

[Buckterrier]

I have an opportunity to purchase a spoon that is exactly like this one pictured, even the same condition. Internet doesn't have a whole lot on them other than what it is, a Berreta model 1951, 9mm. I've even looked at a few Berreta forums and not much there.
Anybody know about these spoons? I can pick it up for $200.00. Dave, Targa911S has even looked into them for me and there just doesn't seem to be a lot out there. It'a is a single action also which is kinda cool.
Any expertise and known values would be appreciated.

[Z-man]

Not a whole lot of info, but it is a start:



From The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Guns

[fred cook]

A friend of mine had one in his collection for some years, during which time I had the opportunity to shoot it a few times. They tend to work well but are a bit large and heavy for a single column magazine pistol. A slightly different version of this gun was known as the Brigadier. For $200 you probably can't go wrong. Original Italian police holsters are available if that is something you would want. Some of these guns were marked 9mm Glisenti but that is just a lighter loaded 9 Para. Spare magazines are usually available at reasonable prices.

[azasadny]

Cool pistol! My friend told me that 20 years ago or so they were at every gun show for sale but now you hardly ever see them. Based upon my limited experience with Berettas, I would say "buy it"!!

[Buckterrier]

Thanks guys. I'd think there would be more interest in these pistols. Being a Beretta single action 9mm. An odd duck for sure. And of course the father of the beloved 92F.

[id10t]

Friend got a Helwan Brigadier 20 or so years ago it is an unlicensed cpy of the 1951. Safety and mag release bbuttons took some getting used to but it was worth the 90 bucks it cost wholesale.

[emcon5]

Some info in Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_M1951

[azasadny]

Beretta and Zildjian are two of the oldest companies in the world. Pretty impressive!