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LOT 1530
Extremely Rare DWM Model 1900
Bulgarian Contract Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 20895, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. This is one of the most elusive variations in Luger collecting, the Bulgarian Contract DWM Model 1900. Reportedly, 1,000 of these pistols were drawn from the standard Model 1900
commercial pistol production to fulfill the contract, and they fall in the 20000-21000 serial number range. These pistols saw many years of service through both World Wars, with many captured by the Soviets that never resurfaced. On p. 58 of “Lugers
at Random” by Charles Kenyon, he states that most of these were refinished, reworked, and/or rechambered to 9 mm during their
service lives. This specific pistol falls early in the known range of serial numbers and has the correct Bulgarian crest on the chamber and the DWM monogram on the front toggle. The upper safe position of the thumb safety
is correctly marked in Cyrillic, these pistols being the first Lugers to have a marked thumb safety. The full serial number is marked on the bottom of the
barrel and front of the frame, and the last two and three digits of the serial number are marked on various small parts. The extractor is correctly
unmarked. Both of the professionally made replacement grips are stamped “95” to match on the insides. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, fully
checkered grips, and a correct pattern, unmarked, nickeled magazine with a wood base. Per consignor pistol was restored by Gale Morgan.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 97% blue finish and 90% straw colors. The
professionally made replacement grips are also very fine with one minor chipped/absent section above the magazine release button area, and
crisp checkering. The bolt hold open does not properly function, otherwise mechanically excellent. Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
382
LOT 1531
Desirable U.S. Test Trials DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with U.S. Rock Island
Arsenal Holster - Serial no. 6888, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal.,
4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. A standout
example of an original 1900 DWM “American Eagle” Luger as developed and sold to
the U.S. Government after the turn of the 20th century for test trials. In April 1900, the U.S. Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1,000 DWM Model 1900 Luger pistols. They were delivered in two separate lots, with approximately 800 on shipped October 26, 1901,
and the remaining 200 on October 29, 1901. A list of recorded serial numbers can be seen
on page 387 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows, with this example a single digit off from being included on that list. These early American Eagle Test Lugers were made
expressly for the U.S. military when they were interested in the Luger as a replacement for the .38 caliber revolvers issued during the late 1890s and early 1900s. The three most distinguishing features noted on all
these Lugers were the lack of German acceptance proofs, the lack of “GERMANY” export markings usually found on the front of the frame or under the barrel, and the last two digits of the serial number were
stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the takedown lever. The only other feature
found on some U.S. Test Trial Lugers was a small German ordnance proof that resembled the U.S. Ordnance bomb proofs. While the Lugers had a number of virtues, they were overlooked by U.S. Ordnance in favor of domestically
produced designs. The survivors of the testing were surplus and released for public sale through Bannerman’s. Features fixed blade front and “V” notch rear sights, with an “American eagle” crest on top of the chamber, and no visible German markings. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel and frame, with “88” partials on the takedown lever, side plate, toggle links, bolt, and extension. Fitted with niter blue and straw colored small parts, along with checkered walnut grips numbered “88” on the interior and a nickel finished magazine with an unmarked hardwood base. Includes a brown leather flap holster stamped “US” and “OJ” on the front of the flap and “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/E.H.S.” on the back. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish on all parts except the professionally restored barrel, with minor edge wear, light fading on the extension and grip frame, along with faint spotting on the frame. 70% original straw colors remain on small parts. The grips are also very fine with light handling marks and crisp checkering. The holster is fine with minor cracking and supple leather. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500