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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK CENTRAL POWERS PISTOLS BY STILL
LOT 393
Exceptional and Desirable
Documented U.S. Army
Test Trials DWM Model 1900 American
Eagle Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Rare Right Handed U.S. Holster,
Photographed in “Central Powers Pistols” by Jan Still - Serial no. 6671, 7.65 mm Luger Auto
cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is an exceptional example
of an original U.S. Army test trials DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Luger pistol accompanied
by a rare, seldom seen, right handed U.S. embossed brown leather holster. This exact pistol and holster are
photographed in Jan C. Still’s book “Central Powers Pistols” on pages
419, 420 and a top shot of the pistol on 421. The lot is also accompanied by a
Certificate of Authenticity from noted author Jan C. Still’s family verifying it was
in his personal collection. In April 1900, the U.S. Ordnance Board authorized an
order for 1,000 DWM Model 1900 Luger pistols. They were known to have been
delivered in two separate lots, with approximately 800 on shipped October 26,
1901, and the remaining 200 on October 29, 1901. Survivors of the testing were
surplus and released for public sale through Bannerman’s, of which page 415 of
the “Central Powers Pistols” book lists known serial numbers of pistols sold through
Bannerman’s found in the approximate 6100-7100 serial number range including
this example, serial number 6671. This batch of early American Eagle 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 these U.S. tested American
Eagle 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 typically seen on the rounded portion of
the opposite side of the takedown lever. While the Lugers had a number of virtues,
they were overlooked by U.S. Ordnance in favor of domestically produced designs.
Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, with an “American Eagle” crest on
top of the chamber. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel and frame, with “71”
partials on the takedown lever, side plate, toggle links, breech block, trigger and interiors of the
checkered walnut grips. Fitted with niter blue and straw colored small parts and a nickel finished
magazine with small German bomb proof marked walnut base. “EvereTFV” carved on the interior
of the left grip panel.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish with some edge wear, smooth gray and brown
patina on the balance, and some light freckling. 60% original straw colors and 60% original niter blue finish
remains on the small parts. Grips are very fine with a few scattered small nicks and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Holster
is excellent with some minor age related cracking, and supple leather. This desirable U.S. test trials American Eagle Luger pistol with a right handed holster, out of the noted Jan C. Still collection, would make an excellent addition to any advanced U.S. military pistol collection!
Provenance: The Jan C. Still Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
372 Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000