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LOT 378
Very Scarce DWM Model 1900 American Trial “Test Eagle” Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Serial no. 6489, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Produced
in the first identified range (6100-7100), this 1900 Luger is one of 1000 “Test Eagle” Lugers supplied to the U.S. government for military trial. Initiated due to reports of under-performance of the then-standard double
action 38 caliber revolver in Cuba and the Philippines, this trial was one of the first steps taken to make the
leap from a revolver to a semi-auto in American service. These Lugers were sourced directly through one of DWM’s agents in the U.S., who supplied a
number of hand-picked pistols straight off the factory floor for issue to the field, chiefly with cavalry units (who per the doctrine of the time were considered the
primary audience for an updated handgun). This would be the first of many trials which eventually culminated in the adoption of the Colt 1911, by which time DWM had
effectively taken their ball and gone home, convinced that the process was slanted in favor of their American competition. Properly without a “GERMANY” import mark or German
commercial proofs, this pistol is fitted with fixed sights, a flat top breech block, and dished toggles with spring-loaded toggle lock assembly. The “American Eagle” is prominent on the chamber, with matching numbers on the frame, barrel, takedown latch, side plate, trigger,
grips, grip safety, receiver, toggle links and breechblock. A wide trigger,
sharply checkered safety switch, hold-open device and half-width grip safety
are installed on the frame, with fine straw color on the takedown lever,
trigger, safety and ejector, bright niter blue on the pins, springs and
grip screws, sharply checkered grips and a nickel finished magazine
with an unmarked hardwood base.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 95% plus professionally restored blue,
showing some wear along the high edges, cycling marks and minor handling
marks. 90% of the straw is present on the small parts, with strong niter blue on
the grip screws. The grips are also very fine, with some minor stains and dings on the
otherwise sharp checkering. The receiver hangs up a bit when moving forward with the trigger pulled, otherwise mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
Important Historic Note
"...The preliminary firing tests of this arm at Springfield Armory gave most satisfactory results. When received the pistols were distributed, five to each troop of cavalry in service, and the remainder to the light artillery and officers at West Point..." - from the Report of the Board of Ordnance and Fortification contained in the Annual Report of the Chief of Ordnance.
Collector’s Fact
One of only 1,000 DWM 1900 American Trial "Test Eagle" Luger pistols produced.
Collector’s Fact
According to author
Scott Meadows, only 1,005 Luger holsters were manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal.
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK U.S. MILITARY HOLSTERS BY MEADOWS
LOT 379
Very Scarce, Highly Desirable U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Holster for a U.S. Test Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol -
Originally ordered in 1901 and completed in 1902, Rock Island Arsenal produced a set of holsters for use in the test trials of the Luger semi-automatic pistol. Constructed from brown leather in a left handed configuration, with “US” in an oval on the flap, “W.K.” just below the brass closure stud, “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/E.H.S.” on the rear, and a broad single belt loop secured with stitching and rivets.
CONDITION: Fine. The flap and belt loop show cracking concentrated on the folds and stress points, with mild wear and staining overall and verdigris buildup around the brass. Overall the leather remains strong and supple, with the stitching tight and the rivets and stud holding solid.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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