SOLD - Rare Army Test DWM 1900 Luger

Description

6/23/23 - This is a very 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 grips that are unmarked and an unmarked mag with wood base. The left grip panel does have a chip under the safety that has a glue repair, and there's a ding in the base of the mag. The bluing on this one is somewhat tough to rate, as there isn't much actual finish loss but some oxidation and patina on the left side of the barrel, underside of the barrel and front strap. There is also a few thin surface scratches on the left side of the frame, and a spot of pinpricking on the right rail. The bore shows minor frost but is generally shiny with nice rifling. 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)!