Early Production DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, Serial Number 2082, with an Inscribed Frame, Case and Accessories Traditionally identified in a serial number range of 2,000-19,000, the Model 1900 American Eagle Luger represents the beginning of commercial Luger pistol sales produced with an eye for export to the United States. This particular pistol, serial number 2,082, sits at the very forefront of known American Eagle Lugers, making it both one of DWM's earliest commercial semi-automatic Lugers and one of the first Luger pistols to reach American shores. In addition to its significance as a Luger, it also represents a significant step in the development of civilian semi-automatic pistols, marking the movement from the potent yet bulky Mauser Broomhandle or DWM Borchardt to pistols that could match the revolvers of the day for ease of carry. The inscription on the left side of the frame, "CHARLES A. BROWN", has been professionally executed outside the factory, likely by a jeweler or similar professional, with accent marks on the letters that at first appear to be punch strikes but on inspection under a high powered magnifier are actually extremely tightly cut zig-zags. Brown has not yet been identified, but if he were the original recipient, he would be one of the very first Luger owners in the USA. Aside from the inscription, the pistol is exactly what one might see in a sporting goods store at the turn of the 20th century, with a fixed front sight on the fast-taper barrel, the signature American Eagle on the chamber, flat top recessed breechblock, the dished toggles with integral recoil lock, and the half-width grip safety. The barrel bears a small "Swiss cross" proof on the left side. It has matching external numbers, including the one on the right side of the takedown latch as is proper on an early 1900, and the traditional "GERMANY" export mark is on the front of the frame. The finish is a high polished rust blue with a bright spot on the lower safety position, niter blue pins and springs, and straw finished small parts. With a pair of checkered grips and a nickel magazine with an unmarked/unnumbered wood base. Included with the pistol is a vintage black pigskin covered hardcase with a French cut blue velvet interior holding the pistol, a second nickel/wood magazine, and a brass barrel rod. Manufacturer: DWM Model: 1900 Commercial BBL: 4 1/2 inch round Stock: Gauge: 7.65 mm Luger Auto Finish: blue Grips: walnut Serial Number: 2082 Class: Curio & Relic Handgun Condition: Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some bright edge wear, a few small scratches on the right side of the barrel and a small amount of spotting and handling marks overall. 70% of the original straw color is present, with a bright gray patina forming on the face of the trigger and a few other points, and the niter blue holding bright and vivid everywhere save the magazine catch spring and the tops of the screw heads. The grips are excellent, with a few light dings on the crisp checkering. The case is fine, with some exposed wood at the corners and edges, a small dent in the back right corner of the lid, and wear and staining of the interior lining appropriate to a combination that had been together for over a century. Mechanically excellent.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
May 5, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
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