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*× ULTRA RARE #3 GERMAN 1902 GPK MILITARY TRIALS DWM 1900 LUGER WITHOUT GRIP SAFETY.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
*× ULTRA RARE #3 GERMAN 1902 GPK MILITARY TRIALS DWM 1900 LUGER WITHOUT GRIP SAFETY.
SN 9903. 4-3/4" 30 Cal. bbl. "DWM" scroll on center toggle link. Dished toggles. Crown/D GPK inspector’s acceptance mark on right receiver and back of frame. All numbered parts are matching down to the checkered walnut grips. Frame machining is unique, being made as a 1900 Old Model (leaf mainspring) but manufactured without any provision for a grip safety lever. The safety lever components are unique prototypes of the P.08 components, and the upper area of the frame safety recess is marked GESICHERT as required by the GPK. This gun is featured on pp. 87, 86, and 96 of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess' The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols. One of 40 examples without grip safety made for 1902 German Army troop trials (15 were also made for the trials with grip safety and GESICHERT mark) to compete with Mannlicher and Mauser pistols. Number "3" engraved on bottom of backstrap identifies this as pistol #3 in the trials. It is interesting that such an early gun was tested without a grip safety to minimise the parts count and cost for the GPK, a characteristic that ultimately ended up on the P.08 when finally adopted. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Excellent retaining 97% original bright blue that is starting to fade on the gripstraps. Retains 97% original straw. Bore is sharp with frosting. Grips have light wear and a couple of deep indents on the left grip. Magazine is very good with minor chips on the wood bottom. Mechanics are excellent. 4-52746 BWS81