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LOT 332
Very Rare Documented
Turkish Police Contract Mauser Banner Luger Semi-
Automatic Pistol, as Pictured in “Pistole Parabellum”, with Equally Rare Turkish Marked Holster - Serial no. 61, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1930s, this is one of a limited number of examples of the Turkish police contract Luger pistols. Only around 750 were manufactured and delivered on the contract, and the number
seen on the market today falls in the single digits. While many Luger variants were released to the commercial market at the end of their service lives, research has indicated that the Lugers still in Turkish hands in the 1980s were subjected to a mass destruction order, with very few
recorded survivors. This exact pistol, serial number 61, is prominently pictured in detail on page 624 of the noted book “Pistole Parabellum, Volume II” by Gortz and Sturgess. Another example of one of these rare Turkish Lugers (previously sold by RIA, auction 72 lot 3437)
is pictured on page 498 of Hallock and Van de Kant’s “The Mauser Parabellum 1930-1946”. Fixed sights, with the “TC” monogram of the Republic of Turkey on top of the chamber, the Mauser banner on the front toggle link, German “crown/crown/U” marks on the extension and
breechblock, and “eagle/63” on the right side of the extension and frame. The right side of the extension is marked “Emniyet Isleri/Umum Mudurlugu” (General Directorate of Security Affairs), and the extractor and upper safety position are marked “ates” and “emniyet”. External visible serial numbers are matching overall, with “47” on the nickel finished alloy base magazine. The included rare German made Turkish contract leather holster has the same “TC” monogram as the pistol on the flap above the “Emniyet Isleri/Umum Mudurlugu” General Directorate marking and serial number “91” (possibly an upside down 6) on the front, and contains a combination takedown tool and cleaning rod inside the holster. CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% original blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance, some light pitting visible on the sideplate, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips are also fine with some light handling marks and mostly defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Included holster is
fine. One of only two examples we have ever offered at auction! Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
LOT 3325
Rare DWM Model 1902 Prototype Army Test
Semi-Automatic Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 22265, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, checkered
walnut grips. This is a rare example of an early DWM Model 1902 Prototype Test Luger. For many years it was theorized that this series of Lugers was produced for early 1902 Imperial German Army tests, as some
examples were noted as having a script letter “D” proof (this example does not have the aforementioned proof ), giving rise to the theory that they were intended as a Danzig Imperial Army Test Luger. However, that theory has been
disproved, as there was no substantiating data to support that. However, recently this series or group of Lugers has been theorized as actually manufactured in late 1903/04 possibly as a Dutch Army Test Luger, shortly before a similar small batch of test lugers were produced
for the French Army pistol test of 1904. It is quite interesting that at this time the DWM factory had finished producing early Swiss Trials Luger pistols, then had produced several prototype Lugers in the 10,000B serial number block making significant design changes, and then started manufacturing a small block of test Lugers
in the 22223-22400 serial number range. Then shortly after this they manufactured the 50 each Powell Test Lugers for the US Military. Regardless of the true meaning or intent of this model it is very certain that these Test Lugers were actually produced. These early Lugers all have the early characteristics of the 1902 design with the dished
toggles with toggle lock, flat recessed breechblock with the long flat extractor spring and the first pattern safety with the polished, but unmarked lower frame area. However, this specific pistol is one of those that was manufactured in the new 9mm Luger cartridge that had just been developed.
As such, it has the short 3 7/8 inch barrel; however, it still has the old style short frame and receiver with the wide trigger guard bow, narrow trigger, flat recoil spring and wider grip safety. There are usually no factory markings on these Lugers (not even the DWM Logo). This example is completely void of any factory proof or acceptance marks aside from the serial number. These pistols were numbered in the commercial manner with the full serial number
on the frame and underside of the barrel and with the last 2-3 digits of the serial number on the various smaller parts, that include the breechblock and toggle assembly, side plate, trigger, takedown lever and grip safety. In addition, this example is also stamped with the partial serial number (265) on the left side of the frame
web under the grip safety. The pistol has a rust blued finis, the small components have the correct straw colored finish, and it is fitted with a set of unnumbered checkered walnut grips. It is complete with a polished steel commercial magazine that has wooden base marked “Cal. 9M/M”. This is certainly one of those rare Luger
prototypes that no one is quite certain what they were intended for.
CONDITION: Fine with 40% plus of the original blue finish overall with, wear on the outside of the pistol from being tested with some minor pitting on the
left side of the barrel, frame and side plate area. The balance of the metal has a silver gray patina finish. The smaller parts also retain 40%of their original
straw colors mostly in the protected areas. The grips are in very good condition with distinct checkering on both sides also showing extensive handling
and use from testing and firing. The magazine wood bottom is missing the left ear on the base. Mechanically excellent. Certainly a very desirable and
unique early DWM prototype Model 1902 Test Luger pistol.
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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK PISTOLE PARABELLUM, VOL. II BY GORTZ & STURGESS
202 Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500