SOLD - Rare 1900 DWM Army Test Luger Rig

Description

6/23/21 - Here we have an extremely rare American Eagle Army Test Luger rig 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. This particular pistol features unnumbered grips and magazine. It rates at about 87-90% original finish, with a most of the wear on either side of the barrel, right side rail and front strap. The bore has strong rifling but some frost and freckling in the grooves. Perhaps even more rare about this listing is the original test trials military holster. They were produced at Rock Island Arsenal, and this one is marked E.H.S. on the back with additional E.F.J. proof on front flap. The holster is in very good condition with minor areas of wear and a hint of flaking. As of the printing of Michael Reese's book, there was only about 100 of these known and identified in the accepted serial range (6099-7098)!