Narrow grip safety on the model 1902?
 

At a recent gun show I came across a 1902 American Eagle that had a narrow grip safety on it. Never saw that before. This grip saftey, I thought, was on only earlier 1900 models. Dwight Gruber also examined this pistol and raised the same question. Any thoughts or comments? The serial number was in the mid range of the model 1902.

Dr.Herb, Since no one else has answered your inquiry, I'll quote Harry Jones from "Luger Variations" page 243, The wide GS started on the M1900 around Serial #11,xxx and therefore would not be correct on a M1902 in the #25,xxx range. The other Doc -- Lugerdoc

Thanks, Tom, for your reply. I thought as much. We should have taken off the left grip plate to see if there was a serial number present, but then it could have been added. Dwight Gruber tells me that he has heard of or examined two later 1906 AE's with narrow grip safeties. These I presume are "after factory" additions as well.

Herb, I should have said "not standard" as we Krauts never thow anything away. So if the factory found a couple of narrow grip safties laying arouond, they probably would have used them, so I guess that most anything is possible. TH

That's the rub, Tom. It could have been factory original. If I get the opportunity to see another one of these, I will definitely take off the left grip plate to see if at least the number is stamped there with similar font size to the rest of the pistol.

Hello Doc,

We still need to get you over to my side of the Bay Area to give you a chance to meet Ed B. at the local gun shop.

He has that curious, but factory original (IMHO), 1902 carbine with a 21xxx serial number. It has the 1-screw stock iron attachment and its grip safety is of an intermediate width...going across about 3/4 of the width of the grip strap...

He had shown me his carbine along side a narrow-gripped 1900 and a wide-gripped 1906 to show me the difference...his 1902 carbine did not appear to be a wide grip safety that was merely ground down...the form and radii of his grip safety looked proportioned...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Pete,

If you could send me the pertinent info for the survey I'd appreciate it. Including the notation about the weird grip safety.

Thanks.

--Dwight
mailto:dwightg@pacifier.comdwightg@pacifier.com</a>

Hi Dwight,

If you go back to the 10-23-03 discussion thread I started in the Early Luger section, there is a bit more info there.

If Doc and I get together with Ed B. in the near future, I will ask Ed if I can take some detailed photos for posting on the Luger Forum...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Pete, Are you saying that Ed's carbine grip safety was intermediate in width between the 1900 and the 1906? What is one to think now? With a multiple $K item, I guess one has to have experience, faith, luck and agreement from his peers! Would love to see this piece when I get back from vacation.

Hi Doc,

Sorry...I missed your last questions for a few days...

Yes...the local 1902 carbine has an intermediate width on the grip safety. The toggle (1902 style) was also blank and missing the "DWM"...

Owner thinks the carbine might be a pattern room gun that got sold eventually...but just a WAG...

When you are free, let's make plans to have you come over to this side of the Bay and see this piece in person...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />