1539

Exceptional DWM Model 1900 American Eagle U.S. Test Luger

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:11,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Exceptional DWM Model 1900 American Eagle U.S. Test Luger
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Estimate: $11000 - 16000
Manufacturer: DWM Model: 1900
This is a excellent example of an all original DWM Model 1900 American Eagle "Test Luger" as purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department in August 1901 for troop trials with the U.S. Cavalry. In April 1900 the Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1000 DWM model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots; with approximately 800 shipped 26 October 1901 (approximate serial number range 6,000-7,200 range) and the remaining 200 shipped on Oct 29 1901. This scarce pistol is serial number "6076" and falls very early in the known U.S. Test Eagle serial numbers range. Although very unusual this Model 1900 Eagle Luger exhibits all the correct and authentic criteria and features of an original American Eagle test Luger. These early American Eagle Lugers were developed expressly for the U.S. military when they were interested in selecting a replacement pistol for Colt 1894 revolver chambered for the inadequate 38 caliber. These Lugers were manufactured as a standard 1900 commercial Luger and were then hand selected at the DWM factory for shipment to the U.S. Army with only a total of 1000 ever manufactured. These Lugers are highly sought after by both German Luger collectors or US Martial handgun collectors. The most distinguishing features noted on these Test Eagle Lugers were that there were no German acceptance proofmarks, they lacked the typical "Germany" export markings usually found on the front of the frame or under the barrel, documented examples had a small German ordnance proof (that resembled the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof) located in various areas on the pistols; either inside the front frame recess area; or on the underside of the barrel extension in front of the recoil lug; and/or on the bottom of the wooden magazine base and the last two digits of the serial number was stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the take down lever. This example has all of those markings/features with number 47 being the most apparent! At the conclusion of these tests all these Lugers were deemed inadequate for U.S. military use and they were all later sold to Bannermans' for resale. The top of the chamber area is correctly marked with the "American Eagle" seal of the United States Crest and as noted has the small German proof on the underside of the barrel extension, inside the front frame recess, and on the wooden base of the magazine. It also has the last two digits of the serial number correctly stamped on the opposite side of the take down lever. These lugers all have the early features such as a grip safety, recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with toggle locks on the side, full serial number located on the front of the frame and underside of the barrel with the last two digits of the serial number on the face of the recoil lug, take down lever, side plate, breech bolt, toggle assembly, side of the grip safety and the back side of both grip panels. The pistol has a deep rust blue finish with the grip screws, front sight blade, and connecting pins heat blued and the extractor, toggle link, ejector, take down lever, trigger, magazine release, and thumb safety lever have a straw color finish. It is fitted with walnut checkered grips and it has a nickel plated magazine body with the noted, proofed wooden base.
BBL: 4 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 7.65 mm Luger Auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 6076
Condition:
Excellent with 98% of the original blued finish with minor edge and high spot wear. The various small parts retain 80% of their original straw color. The grips are excellent with nice distinct checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional DWM Model American Eagle Luger pistol which will satisfy even the most discriminating Luger collector.