Description
11/5/24 - From the famed collection of author Jan Still, this is an extremely rare and historically significant DWM Model 1902 Cartridge Counter Luger. One of only 50 produced, all in the serial range of 22,401-22,450. Produced on order from the U.S. Board of Ordnance circa 1902-1903, the Cartridge Counter Luger was originally requested as a straight 1:1 replacement for a batch of Lugers already in American inventory, an upgrade from 7.65mm to the more potent 9mm. These Lugers were fitted with the Powell Indicating Device, which consists of a numbered guide bar and celluloid plastic window installed in the left grip panel, and a specially prepared magazine with an extension on the left side of the follower. When the magazine is fully loaded, this follower extension rests at the "7" position, advancing upward with the follower as rounds are discharged, permitting the soldier to determine his remaining rounds by merely looking at the grip. In the end, the design was rejected as the U.S. military desired more stopping power than a 9mm pistol provided. The Cartridge Counter examples were all chambered in 9mm Luger and featured the early fat barrel design. All numbered parts on this particular example are matching, and the pistol is in excellent condition. It retains 96-97% of the original blue, with minor wear on the high points, and front strap/trigger guard. Strong, shiny bore with minor frost inside. The grips are in good condition but the celluloid does show a crack in it. Listing includes a certificate of authenticity that confirms it comes from the collection of Jan Still.
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Jan Charles Still was born April 1, 1941. He passed away on October 24, 2022 in Juneau Alaska. Jan earned a Bachelor's in mining from University of Washington, where he met his wife, Frances, through the climbing club. They eloped and were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They lived in Wyoming and Colorado where Jan worked as a mining engineer. They climbed peaks together in the wind river and Teton range, and had their first daughter before moving to Alaska. There, they had two more children and settled down to raise their family in Juneau. Jan was world famous for his knowledge of WW1 and WW2 guns and authored a series of historical books on them. His books remain sought after today as some of the best resources available to the collecting community.
