Make: DWM
Model: 1900, US Test Trials Luger
Serial Number: 6469
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: 7.65mm / .30 Luger
Action Type: Toggle Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: Serialized parts are marked "6469" or "69". The top of the chamber is marked with the American Eagle. The top of the forward toggle is marked “DWM” in script. There are DWM bomb inspection marks in the frame well and on the bottom of the barrel extension in front of the lug.
Barrel Length: 4.75"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-Notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have even light handling wear. There are some light scratches and compression marks. A few checkered peaks have worn nearly smooth. The checkering is otherwise well defined. There is a small chip at the top edge of the left panel under the safety switch. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Strawed
Finish Originality: Refinished, some worn areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore. There is infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its current metal finish. There are areas of wear treated with cold blue, most notable on the sideplate, the back face of the rear toggle and the dished portion of the left cocking knob. There is infrequent erosion under the finish, most notable on the sideplate. There are some light nicks, scuffs, scratches and some minor surface oxidation. The straw has thinned in some places. The underside of the barrel extension in front of the lug has some discoloration from heat. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear and the American Eagle is crisp. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one unmarked wood floor plated magazine and a copy of "1900 Luger U.S. Test Trials" by Michael Reese II. This pistol's serial number is listed on page 69.
Our Assessment: The DWM Model 1901 U.S. Test Luger represents one of the most historically significant early variants of the Luger pistol, submitted for evaluation by the United States military during the turn of the twentieth century. These pistols were part of the U.S. trials that ultimately led to the adoption of the .45 ACP cartridge and the M1911, but the Luger's innovative toggle locked design and ergonomics made a lasting impression. Chambered in 7.65mm Parabellum, the original cartridge for which the Luger was designed, these early American Eagle marked pistols are closely associated with the formative years of modern semi-automatic handgun development and are highly regarded among collectors.
This example is a 1901 dated U.S. Test Luger retaining matching serialized components. The pistol has been refinished and retains about 65 percent of its current blue and straw finish with scattered scratches, thinning, and infrequent erosion. The checkered walnut grip panels show light handling wear with minor smoothing and a small chip beneath the safety, as is common. The bore rates 6 out of 10. The action functions correctly and the pistol includes a wood floorplate magazine along with a reference book on U.S. Luger test trials. Overall, this pistol presents as a historically important early Luger associated with U.S. military testing. Please see our high definition photos and good luck on your bids!
