Proof On Test Grips~
 

I finally removed the grips to my 1900 US Test Luger, #6786 and discovered a proof in addition to the two digit serial number. My 1902 Fat Barrel is devoid of any. I wondered who, when and why was it applied? Is it unique to these thousand test lugers?

Those are not "proofs", just inspection, or assemblers markings, IMO.

If you scroll through this thread

http://luger.gunboards.com/showthrea...tty+proof+mark

you'll find some discussion of the mark beginning at post #8. I also referred to a similar mark as a 'proof mark'; but got away with it in that thread.;)

Your pistol is breathtaking - is that original finish?

Yes all original and US test holster, both from Ralph Shattuck!

Golly, Eric, you certainly have some nice Lugers in your collection!

Its my best investment since Debby my third wife!

Eric, A photo of the back of your holster would tell us more about it's originality. The originals that I've seen were a lighter tan color. TH

Test Holster Wear Internal Marks
 

Are evident inside and out! Can not be artificially aged!!

Thank You Dave~

El Paso Repro Test Holster~ https://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-105-9-1900-holster.aspx

Another~http://www.handgunsoftheworld.com/ca...7/10182810.htm

A legit~http://www.landofborchardt.com/holsters.html#american

Our Members Research~http://testluger.com/

The Tests~http://testluger.com/?page_id=2

A past auction for reference~http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...id/53/lid/3128

And a current auction, in case anybody is feeling froggy! http://www.rockislandauction.com/search/aid/68

Another auction example~ http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...id/52/lid/3452

Thanks Dave~A nice find!!

Next important model , the 1902 Fat Barrel. Yours is much nicer Eric, but this went for only $3,450.
http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie.../1027/lid/4398

That is a fair price for a rare sample in fair condition. It would be a great project for Ted. They estimate only 500 were made! Mine shows no toggle wear! One hundred and 12 years surviving so well. The only virgin I will ever meet!

Eric
Look at the difference in stitching size, on the belt attachment below the rivets, on yours and on Land of Borchardt. The fine stitching is the first clue on an original and a repro. Nice luger. Sorry but the holster looks like more of Ralph's factory work. Bill

"Ever been stung by a dead bee?":(

What a shame, but once you know what to look for, it jumps out at you. Thanks Bill.

Its been physically examined before a one of our most knowledgable member who is one of our best sources and found legit! There were 1001 individual holsters which used several individual sewing machines and operators. No 2 can be exactly the same. Some had different inspection markings. Please display one of the other so-called real fakes for comparison. It has age Wear, Toggle and Lever impressions that line up perfectly with the test gun and two holster impressions evident below that is impossible to fake, years! . Have any of you held, smelt or compared one of the so labeled 'real' ones! Pictures alone can only show one aspect. No two anything done by different hands and sewing machines and skill are alike. Especially using leather! Its 1000% legit!!! Thank you again for your valuable concerns for my luger well being!!! Eric

He was good. They were all made at the Rock Island Arsenal from, the same pattern. Different inspectors marks does not mean anything except different inspectors. Not trying to pick on you but collector information is what this forum is about. Bill

Eric,
anything can be faked. Including leather, age, and impressions.

I don't know myself about your particular holster; just that in general it can be done.
After all it has been 50 years since that guy was "in business".

For your sake I hope it is genuine.

cirelaw no white lines about toggle latch?

Yes, toggle lines occur from use. This is my only pristene luger that is in its original state as compared to the test piece which saw normal use!

white lines at framerail goes away with re-fin worx

Thanks Dave. Luger auction prices are like political polls~ Just one indicator of and abstract value~ The are unique and their value is personal and I love each of them!