I too would vote "refinish", but whoever did it really knew what they were doing. Is it common to see 3 numbers (vs. 2) on the lower side plate and rear toggle on this model?
dju

Was "Germany" stamp required way back then?

For guns intended for export to the US, yes. Interesting to note that the test Lugers were ordered without that stamping.
dju

I'll join John in seeing the "softness" of this pistol's lines. The first glance at a pic can give that impression, or not, and I try to always check for it before getting into the fine details of the closeups. In this case, however, it is very slight, and definitely a credit to whoever worked on this gun. I wish I could check it out in-hand!

Here is my 1900 all cleaned up. The grip panels (as you can see in the picture below) were filthy.

For those wanting to know, I use Murphy's Wood Soap, a soft bristled tooth brush, rinse in warm water and pat dry with paper towels. I let the panels dry overnight and then use a light application of Liquid Gold.

As always comments are always welcome.

Bill

Yup! That's a beauty..NOW! If you could only find the most RARE holster known to man that goes with this pistol...1900-1902.. THAT would be a miracle!

I met a rabid Gnome who said he knows where one is at.

I would be VERY nice to that guy cause yer so old you might NEVER come across one in the next 20 years!

Vert faint toggle marks~

Every time I do business with the Gnome I end up with tiny little bite marks around my ankles... Even happens when I wear boots!

If its the gnome that I know, in the long run, the trade / sales work out pretty fair :cheers:

Its the cost of needed medical treatment after the 'deal' that hurts the cash flow...

The U.S. test pistols were delivered without the export mark, "ordering" them that way was never a consideration. There is a range of pistols surrounding the Bannerman test pistols, approx. sn 5978-7976, which lack the GERMANY export stamp. Technically, these pistols entered the U.S. illegally. The Test Eagles were delivered directly to the army, it is an open question whether or not the export stamp should have been required for this delivery.

--Dwight

Here is a shot of the metal found under the safety. Also pictured is an original and correct 1900-1902 era holster.

Bill

Very pretty

Great gun, good grip cleaning info, Thank You.

Please give us more details on the holster.

I would call the holster shown, a M1906 Naval pattern, which could be military, if C/M accepted without belt loops for mounting on stock, or commerical or contract, if unmarked, with 2 belt loops on the reverse. The only M1900 holsters that I've seen were the US Military test type and very thin leather commericals. TH

Also pictured is an original and correct 1900-1902 era holster. It's so rare not many people even know what it is.

More holster pictures...

I will add a comment about the cleaning of those old grips with toothbrushes, even soft ones. Be careful that getting them soaking wet will soften them and you could scrub off the diamonds. I use a soft one inch paint brush. and thus not as much scrubbing force occurs.
Jack