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LOT 1379
Rare Documented DWM 1900/1902 G.P.K. Troop Trials Overrun Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol Photographed in “The Borchardt & Luger
Automatic Pistols” - Serial no. 8592, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, walnut grips. An example of a production overrun DWM
Model 1900, manufactured largely identically to the Model 1902 troop trials pistols ordered by the Imperial German Rifle Proving Commission (G.P.K.) in 1902 for field evaluations of then
new semi-automatic pistol designs for possible military adoption. Of the Lugers used in these trials, only 15 featured a grip safety in the 8560 to 8580 range. An unknown number of production overrun samples were made by DWM to the same specifications as the 15 trials
pistols, but lacking the G.P.K. “crown/D” proof and any commercial “crown/letter” proofs, likely made as spares for the troop trials and not intended for commercial sale. This specific pistol is detailed on pages 86-88 of “The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols” by Joachim Gortz and Dr.
Geoffrey Sturgess. Features military pattern blade front and fixed not rear sights, fast tapered barrel, dished toggles, flat breech block, narrow trigger, “GESICHERT” marked lower safety position, and
“DWM” monogram on the front toggle. With matching serial numbers on the receiver and barrel, and light matching “92” partials on the takedown lever, trigger, side plate, both toggle links, breech block,
safety, and both grips. Includes a nickel plated magazine with unmarked walnut base.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish and 60% straw colors with light edge wear, minor thinning, minor spotting, brown patina/freckling on the grip straps, and minor handling wear. Grips are very fine with minor compression marks on the right panel and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection, Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 1380
Desirable Bavarian Machine Gun Company Unit Marked Erfurt “1912” Dated Unaltered Model 1908 Military Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster Documented in“Central
Powers Pistols” by Jan Still - Serial no. 3485, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured prior
to World War I, this excellent Erfurt Model 1908 Military Luger shows a number of early features that would be eliminated from the German-issued Luger during the course of the
war. This exact pistol is listed by its serial number, date, manufacturer and unit marking in Jan C. Still’s book “Central Powers Pistols” on page 271. Unit marking “B.1.R.M.G.21.” stamped
on the front grip strap, which signifies the Bavarian 1. Infanterie-Regiment (Infantry Regiment), Maschinengewehr-Kompagnie (Machine Gun Company), waffe (weapon) number 21. 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. “1912” dated chamber with the “crown/ERFURT” marking on the front
toggle link, the back strap is smooth correctly with no provision for stock attachment, the frame is solid with no cuts for
a hold-open device, and the serial numbers are in the “commercial” pattern. The absence of the hold-open alteration is noteworthy,
as most Model 1908 Military Lugers seen today were arsenal retrofitted to accept the device. “Crown/gothic letter” proofs stamped on the right of the extension, with imperial eagle firing proofs on the extension, barrel and breech block. With straw finished small parts, niter blue pins, springs, and grip screws; and checkered walnut grips. Minus the magazine, visible serial numbers are matching overall, including the interior of both grip panels. The magazine is nickel finished with a walnut base numbered “3783/e” also marked with a “+” and crown stamps. Includes a brown leather holster marked “AWM/9/13” and “B” on the front; and unit stampings lightly visible on the interior of the flap that read “9.I.R.M.G.K.” for a corresponding Infantry Regiment,
Machine Gun Company.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some light edge wear, a few patches of minor pitting, and light freckling. 70% original straw colors remain on the small components. Grips are also very fine with a few small nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Holster is excellent with some light handling marks and supple leather.
Provenance: The Jan C. Still Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK BORCHARDT & LUGER BY
GORTZ & STURGESS
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK CENTRAL POWERS PISTOLS BY STILL
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