^Lot 1363 EXTREMELY EARLY U.S. MILITARY TEST SERIES MODEL

1900 AMERICAN EAGLE LUGER. Cal. 30 Luger. S# 6070. Bbl. 4 3/4". Most collectors feel that the DWM 1900 American Eagle Lugers that were tested by the U.S. military were certainly in the 6,000 S# range that possibly extended up to 7,800. This example, S# 6070, shares the most significant characteristics of a test gun that 1.) meets the serial range criteria 2.) it is not marked "GERMANY" for export 3.) there are no test proofs on the gun 4.) the numbering on the takedown lever is on the right side of the takedown axle. Standard features include a 4 3/4" tapered bbl. with a drift adj. front sight, American Eagle crest on the chamber, intertwined "DWM" monogram on the front toggle link, V-notch on the rear toggle, second type safety lever with small checkered head, and narrow pattern grip safety. Full S# is on the forward frame and under the bbl., with the last 2-digits on takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, grip safety, bbl. extension lug, each component of the toggle train, and on each of the grips. Fully checkered grips. MAGS: x1 8-rd. with tinned body and walnut plug, this example marked with flaming ordnance bomb. CONDITION: good overall original blue, with moderate wear as befitting a test pistol that was extensively holstered and tested, particularly with respect to the wear on the sideplate and the thinning of the bottom of the front strap and involving the toned hue of the entire back strap. Comparable or better condition strawed parts that have been non-factory freshened. Grips oil darkened, stained, with blunted checkering, though no splits or chips. The reapplied fire blue on the grip screws is fading. Excellent original mag., with a crisp plug and nicely marked flaming bomb. Bright bore, with sharp rifling. Correct manual mechanics. A very nice and all original example of one of the earliest Model 1900 American Eagle Lugers tested by the U.S. military. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of John Eckert. (26-1173/LMA). CURIO. $4,500-7,500.