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LOT 3323
Rare U.S. DWM Model 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 22420, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. One of only 50 produced, all in the 22401-22450 serial number range, this Model 1902 DWM Luger has been fitted with the “Powell Indicating Device”, commonly called a “Cartridge Counter”, on the left side of the grip. Produced on order from the U.S. Board of Ordnance circa 1902- 1903, the Cartridge Counter Luger was originally requested as a straight 1:1 replacement for a batch of Lugers already in American inventory, an upgrade from 7.65mm to the more potent 9mm, but once DWM’s rep agreed the Americans moved the goal line and requested the Powell Device be added. Tempted by a large American order (and not realizing just how badly they were going to get jerked around in following years), DWM conceded to the request. The device consists of a numbered guide bar and celluloid plastic window installed in the left grip panel, and a specially prepared magazine with an extension on the left side of the follower; when the magazine is fully loaded, this follower extension rests at the “7” position, advancing upward with the follower as rounds are discharged, permitting the soldier to determine his remaining rounds by merely looking at the grip. In the end, the design was rejected, as the Army was starting to get its mind set on a large bore automatic, which they felt would have greater “stopping power” than a 9mm/38 caliber weapon, which would eventually culminate in the adoption of the Browning- designed Colt 1911chambered in .45 ACP. The Lugers were checked back into inventory, with two being stripped of their Powell Devices (to be used on other pistol models being tested) and the rest eventually released from inventory. Blade front and notch rear sights, with the “fat” barrel profile, American Eagle on the chamber, recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with the toggle lock on the right side, as produced during this time frame, and “DWM” on the toggle link. High polish rust blue finish overall, with straw colored small parts and a polished lower safety position. The grip screws and pins have a niter blue finish. Matching full numbers on the barrel and frame, with partial numbers on the latch, side plate, trigger, toggle assembly, extension, and grip safety. As noted previously, the left grip panel and magazine are fitted with the components of the Powell Indicating Device, the latter also nickel finished with an unmarked hardwood base.
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