SOLD - DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Army Test Luger

Description

12/16/22 - 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' 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 all the proper characteristics. It has retained about 80+% of its original finish. There is spotty wear on both straps, sides of the barrel, sideplate and rails. The original matching grips are present, and the left panel has a chip under the safety. The front sight is a Lyman replacement. Unmarked wood base mag with a few dings in it. The bore has good rifling with minor frost throughout.