^Lot 2280 PHENOMENAL MAUSER BANNER 1938 DATED SWEDISH

MILITARY TEST TRIAL LUGER. Cal. 9mmP. S# 5877v. In 1938 the Swedish military ordered 300 Mauser Banner Lugers for testing in the 5700v-6000v serial range, 275 of them with a 4.75" barrel, caliber 9mmP, as per this example and no import markings. All were rust blued guns with a salt-blued barrel, small parts finished with a tempered straw or peacock blue. Markings as per their Commercial pistols with a 1938 chamber date, the Mauser Banner on the forward toggle link, and the Crown/Crown/U proofing on the left side of the barrel extension. Fully matching with the full serial number with letter suffix on the forward frame, the serial number repeated under the barrel and on the left side of the barrel extension; last two digits are repeated on all of the usual small parts including the firing pin, all elements of the toggle assembly, the takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, safety lever, sear bar, sear block, rear toggle pin, and each of the grips. MAGS: x1 8-rd. mag. with a blued body and unmarked aluminum plug. CONDITION: near excellent original finish, approximately 97%, with usual sharp edge wear and handling is one might expect from a minimally used test pistol. Slight thinning of the salt-blue barrel under strong light with comparable wear on the front and back straps. Strawed parts with fading in usual contact areas, no suggestion of enhancement. Crisp, sharply checkered grips with minimal oil staining. Mirror bright bore. Correct manual mechanics. A wonderful, all original, 1938 Mauser Banner Luger as tested by the Swedish military whose condition would be difficult to improve upon! PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of John Eckert. (26-2222/LMA). CURIO. $4,500-$7,500.