The M1906 Russian Contract Controversy Strikes Again

[Imperial Arms]

Originally Posted by Norme

Hi Albert, I have a new theory. Tsar Ferdinand cancelled a contract with DWM because of the incident described below (thank you Wikipedia). DWM, stuck with several hundred partially finished Bulgarian Lugers, applied the now famous Mosin-Nagant chamber decoration, and offered them for sale on the Russian civilian market. Rather a neat theory, don't you think? Best regards, Norm


Ferdinand was known for being quite a character. On a visit to German Emperor Wilhelm II, his second cousin once removed, in 1909, Ferdinand was leaning out of a window of the New Palace in Potsdam when the Emperor came up behind him and slapped him on the bottom. Ferdinand was affronted by the gesture and the Emperor apologised. Ferdinand however exacted his revenge by awarding a valuable arms contract he had intended to give to the Krupp's factory in Essen to French arms manufacturer Schneider-Cruseot.[9]

Hi Norm,

Your theory might be a neat story, but it is a very long shot. I doubt that DWM would sell pistols destined for the Russian civilian market (via a Russian dealer) which were previously for sale to a foreign country. Do not forget that the introduction of the New Model in 9 mm caliber was the first time that Bulgaria received this pistol directly from DWM. If any part of your theory was to be considered, usually it would be a government who would make such a decision in regards to 'surplus' firearms, such as the case with the M1900 Test trial Lugers being sold to Bannerman.

To the best of my knowledge, the Krupp factory in Essen sold cannons and not firearms. I guess that if the Kaiser had also squeezed his arse, DWM could have lost this small purchase of pistols!

Don't touch me
Albert