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LOT 421
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: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 420
Very Rare DWM Model
1902 “Danzig Test” Luger
Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial
no. 22204, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, checkered
walnut grips. Approximately 50-100 1902 pattern Luger semi-automatic pistols
were manufactured for military testing by DWM, in a generally accepted range
of 22,300-22400; this pistol (along with other known examples) fall immediately ahead of that
range, while showing the relevant features. Overall configuration follows the 1902 pattern, with fixed sights, a flat
top breech block, dished toggle knobs with toggle safety, serrated safety lever with bright polished lower position,
checkered grips and straw finished small parts. Aside from the small “crown/gothic D” (believed to be from Danzig
Arsenal) proof on the left side of the barrel extension and rear of the frame above the lanyard staple,
and matching full and partial numbers on the barrel, extension, frame, sideplate, trigger, toggle links,
breechblock and grip safety, the pistol is unmarked. One magazine
is included, with a nickel-finished body and a small “bomb”
stamp on the base.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 85% of the original blue
finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, scattered spotting,
and mild handling marks. A small amount of pitting is concentrated
on the barrel. 70% of the original straw colors remain, with some fading.
The grips are fine, with chips on the left panel around the magazine release button
and thumb safety. A small groove or channel has been cut through the bottom of the
magazine base. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 12,000 - 20,000
As pictured & described in The
Borchardt & Luger Automatic
Pistols by Gortz & Sturgess