SOLD - DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Luger - Possible Army Test

Description

6/14/24 - This is a possible 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' import stamp, and the last two digits of the serial number on the right end of the takedown lever. 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. This particular pistol is in the "extended" Bannerman serial range. It is all matching and has a mixture of the proper characteristics: no "GERMANY" export marking and there is a clear military flaming bomb proof on the inside of the frame. But the takedown lever is numbered on the left side. It has retained roughly 75% of its original finish. There are areas of wear throughout, concentrated on the grip straps, along the barrel, and on the high edges. Fitted with matching-numbered wood grips - small repaired chip on the left side. Comes with a blank magazine. Both the magazine bottom and inside of the left grip panel are marked "T +". The bore has good rifling, but there is light pin-pricking throughout.