SOLD - DWM Model 1900 "American Eagle" Luger - Army Test Range

Description

5/8/23 - This is a rare American Eagle Army Test Luger, produced by DWM. In April of 1901, the United States Board of Ordnance and Fortifications put in an order for 1,000 of these Lugers following test trials in which the model was fired 2,000 times under the harshest conditions possible. These Lugers feature the Great Seal over the chamber, which was not included upon request, but rather was found to be a great sales tool for the Swiss market by DWM following their initial sales of the same model but featuring the Swiss sunburst. The characteristics that separate these American Test Eagle Lugers from the other Model 1900 Lugers are the lack of proofs, the lack of a 'GERMANY' export stamp, and the last two digits of the serial number on the right end of the takedown lever. This is considered an "out of range" Army Test Luger.  There has been much research, including expert's ranges on pistols that meet many of the Army Test luger characteristics but are not in the most commonly accepted range. The more valued and accepted "Bannerman" range would include this pistol. This one is all matching and has all of the proper characteristics. However, it is missing a trigger pin on the right side of the trigger. The gun has retained roughly 80% of its original finish. The majority of the finish loss is on the grip straps, but there is also general high edge wear, and wear along both sides of the barrel. Fitted with nice wood grips and comes with a proper blank-bottom magazine. The rifling in the bore is a bit worn with minor pitting throughout.