^Lot 1411 SPURIOUS SWISS "VORSERIE" WAFFENFABRIK BERN 1924

LUGER. Cal. 30 Luger. S# V43. Bbl. 4 5/8. Prior to the introduction of the 1929 Luger, the Swiss military tested a series of just over 50 pistols serial numbers V1-V51, plus two out of range guns that were also "V" prefixed. This particular gun is in the last batch, noted by Geoff Sturgess in the "Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols" book, Vol. III page 819, in the V22-V50 range, with closely numbered examples pictured on page 816 (V20 & V51). This particular pistol appears as a standard production 1924 Waffenfabrik Bern, with a forward frame marked "V43". Unlike the other referenced / pictured pistols there is no marking on the left frame rail, the S# under the bbl. is not the prefixed, nor is there any "V43" marking on the last toggle train link. Curiously, even though all 1924 Bern pistols were chambered in 7.65mm Luger, this particular pistol has been pantographed "Kal. 7.65" on the left side of the bbl. The locking lever is missing its head, and the trigger is unnumbered. All components of the toggle train are numbered "43", as is the grip safety. Grips are reproductions. MAGS: x1 standard M1924 8-rd. mag. with tinned body and unmarked walnut plug. CONDITION: crisp 99%+ largely reapplied rust blue, with minor sharp edge wear and an occasional handling mark. As previously mentioned, the head of the takedown lever is missing and the front toggle pin slips free of the linkage without pressure, and the rear toggle pin has had its head polished. Crisp reproduction grips, the left panel chipped near the safety lever, chip included, both panels canted toward the rear, overlapping the frame at the rear grip strap. Excellent mag. Mirror bore. Correct manual mechanics. An interesting pistol whose price point should underscore its creativity. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of John Eckert. (26-1175/LMA). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.