Brazilian Lugers: collecting data
 

I – THE SURVEY PURPOSE

Dear Forum Members,

A couple of months ago, I decided to start a serious database about the surviving Lugers made by DWM for the Brazilian Army and delivered between 1908-1911.

Besides a natural interest as a Brazilian collector, I feel this is one of the less researched variants among the several Luger tips. I had noticed that most of the well-known books about the Parabellum pistols provide only the same limited information, which has been repeated over and over for decades. Some authors (i.e. John Walter) even dedicated more lines about countries that never adopted the Luger pistol (such as Argentina and Mexico), than about the Brazilian contract - which was one of the Parabellum’s biggest foreign sales for DWM at that time.

It is my understanding that this situation is not fault of any authors. On the contrary, it is much more a consequence of limited access to the Brazilian sources (still an issue faced by local researchers when dealing with military files) than anything else. Besides that, it is clear to me that, for some reason, this variation was misunderstood and overlooked when it first appeared in the surplus international market.

On the other hand, the Internet has proved itself as a wonderful tool to collect data and exchange information. During the years that I’ve been a member of both Luger-oriented forums (Jan Still Central Powers Pistols and the Luger forum), I managed to collect, here and there, some basic information that, when put together, helped me to shed light over this contract – and, in addition, to dismiss, some incorrect information previously disseminated.

By realizing this, I was pushed to take one step further in this research, as I have a feeling that I have a great puzzle in front of me, but most pieces needed are available and just have to be collected to tell us a nice story.

Thus, is my intention to collect as much as additional information as I can gather in order to have a better idea about these guns, its survival rate and, in a long term, if it proves successful, to publish it.

As said above, simple data is enough to debunk some incorrect information that has been floating around for decades, so, I am planning to be focused only on the following features:

- serial number
- caliber
- receiver proof (“circled-B”) (yes / no)
- barrel proof (“circled-B”)(yes / no)
- finish (original, reblued, nickled, etc...)
- notes (for additional information v.g., mismatching, parts only, etc.).
- source (v.g. private collection, dealer, museum, etc.).

I can guarantee that any personal data will be kept in safe and no personal information will be disclosed to third parties without previous contact and written consent.

At last, but not the least, another aspect important aspect of this study is related to documents. Although this is a situation where the “home front” may prove to be more fruitful, advertising from old surplus dealers from the 50s and 60s is also welcome.

So, I invite you all to help me with this task. Please, report any “Brazilian Lugers” that you have in your collections, or that you had seen on gun dealers, gun showns, pawn shops, etc., informing the characteristics listed above. I will be very greatful for all your help. My e-mail is douglas.aguiar@uol.com.br .

Please, find below a link that allows you to download the updated (up to April 28th, 2019) chart with the limited information that I managed to gather up to now, for your review.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjaj9ewuxw...um%29.pdf?dl=0


All the best,
Douglas.

II – HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In 1908 a military commission was sent to Germany by the Brazilian Army in order to purchase 400,000 Mauser Rifles (the so called Brazilian Model 1908). At the same occasion it was also dealt with DWM the acquisition of 5,000 “Neuer Art” pistols in caliber 7,65mm Luger.

Those pistols were featured with the following characteristics:

- Chambered to 7,65mm Luger (.30 Luger)
- 120mm (4.75 inches) barrels
- Inspector proof stamped on the left side of the receiver (a “circled B”)
- Extractor marked “CARREGADA”
- Grip safety
- Polished safety lever area

On the contrary to the Mauser rifles, the pistol lacked any national coat of arms. The guns were delivered in several batches between 1908-1911 (WALTER, John in “The Luger Book”).

Official news about its issuing in the Brazilian Army and its technical and shooting information was published in the Army Bulletin nr. 214", dated from July 5th, 1912. On this bulletin, it was presented the "Instructions to the Parabellum Pistol's Shooting" (Instruções para o Tiro com a Pistola Parabellum). According to such official document:

"As it was issued to our Army the automatic pistol Borchardt Lueger [sic], far superior to its counterparts and known commonly as Parabellum, we will present this military handgun that, because of its importance, was choose in many countries to replace the service revolver and sometimes the carbine.
(…)
“Our pistol is the 7,65mm version but we will replicate the mechanical and ballistic data of both versions [i.e. the .30 Luger and 9mm Luger] because they are the only features that put one model apart from the other.”

At that time, the Luger pistol was named according to the “old” rule of nomenclature, which remained in until late 1940s. According to this system, they follow the commercial name of the gun and, so, the Luger of the Brazilian contract was called “Pistola Parabellum” upon its adoption by the Brazilian Army.

Sometime during the 1920s, the name Parabellum became Parabelum (with a single “L”), and was written this way in the documents of some State Law Enforcements where the Luger pistol also saw service. This version of the name was found in documents from the State of Alagoas Police Department (1925) and from the Federal District of Guanabara (which comprised the city of Rio de Janeiro, by then the Brazilian Federal Government District) in 1923 and 1924.

The Luger pistols in the Brazilian Army inventory began to be transferred to several Law Enforcement Agencies, beginning in mid-1920s, but it was only fully replaced in 1937 upon the official adoption of the Colt M1911A1 pistols and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers. Notwithstanding, the Lugers still remained in active service with several State Police Departments, mostly on the Northeast part of the country for another 20 years.

It's interesting to note that, contrary to the common belief, these pistols saw plenty of action. There is a common (but incorrect) belief that Brazilians Lugers should not look so weary as the country was not involved in a war for a century or so, but truth is these Lugers time of service coincided with a period of social and military unrest in Brazil's history.

Most of the guns that survived this long tenure as a Military and Law Enforcement sidearm, were sold to foreign gun surplus dealers and not many were left in Brazil. In addition, several were refurbished during its lifespan and are extremely difficult to be found in collectable condition.

Thanks for reading.

Douglas.

Douglas,

I wish you well in your quest for information on this fascinating and little documented variant. I have had a corresponding interest in acquiring data and serial numbers of surviving US Test Trial Lugers that has spanned nearly 30 years, so you have a long and challenging road ahead of you!

The data you have collected virtually drives a stake through the heart of the notion that the circle B marks on the barrels of some 1906 American Eagle Lugers in the 4xxxx serial number range are the result of the use of over production of barrels for Brazilian Lugers. Although DWM certainly did not waste anything, the marking of these barrels would appear that it is just the use of that die by a DWM inspector when these AE Lugers were assembled.

I am extremely proud of my Brazilian Luger example and feel very fortunate to have owned two of this elusive variation. Thank you for your efforts to solidify its history.

Ron

Douglas,
I had a Brazilian Luger serial number 2835. It does have the circle "B" 7.65mm 4 3/4"barrel. The extractor is properly marked. There is also a circle "B" receiver proof. This Luger has had a poor refinish job with after market grips.

Mike

mine is serial number 2304 7.65 cal 4 3/4 barrel extractor is properly marked . Receiver circle b marked. Finish orginal in private collection.

Ron,

Many thanks for your kind words.
It is a real morale booster coming from a person with your expertise.

Also, thanks to Mike and Erik, for providing new information to my data base.

Douglas

Douglas, great efforts, thanks. My info via PM
Vince

Douglas, when I try to send you the info via PM the I get this:

"Douglas Jr. has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her."

regards,
vince

Vince,
I just checked my profile is everything is set up to receive PMs. However, if you prefer, you can send the data directly to e-mail: douglas.aguiar@uol.com.br

Thanks once again!

Douglas

Douglas,
If you are still asking for Brazilian Luger serial numbers, I just received one. The serial number is 3945. That is the frame serial number; the other parts are varying numbers, however it does have the properly marked extractor.

Mike

Thanks Mike!
It's a new number for my database.


Douglas

This delivery speed is lighting speed. I saw that gun sold on 8/3 auction. Auction has a trap -- hard to return if not happy. I got a misrepresented Astra from RIAC at loss (loss of a few hundred) due to not-mentioned mismatching numbers, but at least I shoot it, it shoots well, at a collectible's cost.

Observed today at a local gunshow, 1906 grip safety model, Circle B, serial # 1002, 100% refinished with a pitted bore. Can share contact info of the seller, if desired.

G2

I also have a matching Brazilian contract with the original "frosty finish" for anyone interested. TH

Brazilian Contract Luger
 

Douglas,
I thought I had sent you an earlier message about my Brazilian contract luger, but perhaps I just meant to.
Anyway, mine is s.n. 4919, and has the B in a circle on the left forward side of the receiver.
The gun is in good condition, good bore, grips are good and numbered to the pistol, good bluing, straw parts have darkened. The extractor is correctly marked 'carregada'. It is all matching except for the side plate which is numbered 98. The magazine is wood bottom but numbered 3281b with a +. I haven't shot the pistol, but don't doubt that it would function correctly.
Hope this is useful.
barr44

Brazilian Contract
 

Douglas,
Sorry, I forgot to tell you that my Brazilian is in 30 luger and I can't determine if there is a proof on the bottom of the barrel. There is a slight dimpled spot, but I can't tell what it is. It is about midway along the barrel and seems to be centered from side to side.
barr

My Md 1906 Brazilian Pistole Parabellum (Luger) has these following typical details.

Serial Number 714
Caliber 7.65mm Parabellum
Barrel 120mm
Inspector Mark Circled B
Extractor Mark CARREGADA
Safety Mark Polished Bright Lever Area
Safety Wide Grip
Finish Excellent Restoration
Bore Good

This is a excellent shooting Luger.

Enjoy your quest and give us periodic updates.

Dick

I've been away for a while and it was pure joy to have new additions to the list.
Thank you very very much!
Happy New year to everybody!

List updated!
You can access it by clicking on the link provided in my first message.:thumbup:

Doug, i forgot to give you my serial #636 all matching, with proper B in circle on receiver, extrator, vg bore 7.65x120mm barrel, polished under safety, but lots if patin on the original finish. TH PS: there is a lower case "b" or a "5" stamped on the right side of the unnumbered, replacement wood mag bottom. This pistol is For Sale @$1500 including S&H. Tom

List updated, now with 90 guns.

Douglas -

PM's to you are being refused - "Douglas Jr. has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her."

This is strange, because my e-mail is still the same and active.
Anyway, you can send me a message to douglas@cadnc.com.br
Thanks!

Updated list of known survivors as of April 28th, 2019.
Including sn 4385, reported as stolen in Ohio.

For many, many years Luger experts have believed that the Circle-B proof mark on the left-side receiver of the M1906 Brazilian Contract Lugers were to indicate a contract for Brazil besides the extractor marking being in Portuguese which is logical.

On a recent post about a fine and quite rare M1906 American Eagle Luger pistol (in caliber 9 mm Parabellum) having the same stamp under the barrel serial number, my dear stubborn friend Ron Wood (who still wants to believe the drunk 'Russian' Luger theory ;) ) made the following comment to the proud American owner:

"The circled B marking was used as a receiver proof on the 1906 Brazilian contract Luger, and for some reason a DWM barrel inspector subsequently chose to use it as his acceptance mark (it is not a left-over barrel from the Brazilian contract as that would be a 4.75-inch barrel in .30 caliber)."

His comment made me think deeper for the correct reason which has even puzzled Luger experts for ages. Me being a Genius 😇 (which is my middle name initial), I now believe that I have discovered the actual reason for the use this stamp according to its placement on a Luger pistol, not to mean for a Brazilian contract Luger in caliber 7,65 mm Parabellum with a 4 3/4" slim barrel.

With reference to information that I had also researched regarding the M1908 Bulgarian Contract Luger (with a DWM logo being above the chamber and several of these pistols having a C-suffix serial number), I discovered that this arrangement was making reference to the DWM 9 mm Parabellum cartridge with the code DWM 480 C to help enlisted soldiers not to get confused with an earlier issued pistol in caliber 7,65 mm Parabellum at the time (around 1910-12) when several foreign nations were wanting to procure the more powerful 9 mm cartridge for their military.

After making some research and observations, I decided to apply the same logic to the Circle-B proof mark on the Brazilian Luger - and I discovered that the 7,65 mm Parabellum cartridge DWM 471 B happens to indicate 7,65 mm Swiss Parabellum (two piece case), which has the same design specifications as the Brazilian Luger pistol with a slim barrel.

I wish that this important information between pistols and cartridges will widen the knowledge and history by different collectors - being aware that the German DWM factory did everything for a reason - including with the safety markings on a 'Russian Luger', which is actually another Bulgarian contract Luger using the 480B cartridge - where the B stands for 'Bulgarian'. 🤪

Have fun,
Albert

Albert posted this fantasy on Still's forum also. A tribute to his vivid imagination! But, having said that, it is good to hear from him once in a while. :) Stay healthy Albert.
Ron

Happy to see your back Albert (excuse the double entendre), things were kinda dull around here.
Best regards, Norm

It is good to see Albert and Ron Wood in a discussion. I applaud Albert's genius but I would put my betting money on Ron Wood.

Hey Heinz,

Don't discriminate on age or money! :roflmao:

My friend and old 'Goat' rival Ron - and several other old wealthy collectors - cannot admit for example that I am correct on the M1906 'Russian' Luger actually being another Bulgarian contract Luger. ;)

The first comment I posted thinking that the Circle-B mark meant Bohler steel was an honest mistake, but the Genius in my German brain quickly discovered my mistake and lead me to a strong opinion that makes sense/logic between DWM cartridge codes and Luger pistols.

Germany 3 - USA 0
:cheers:

Albert,
Don't know where you got the idea I am rich. I will admit to being a bit old. I worked for a living and spent more than 60 years acquiring my collection, roughly an average of one gun a year as I could afford it. I have been lucky in acquiring a few bargains and got some of the good stuff before the general populace realized they were scarce and expensive.
And your "genius brain" didn't discover your Böhler steel blunder, I pointed it out to you. You can however take credit for the rest of the nonsense you came up with regarding DWM cartridge codes. :)
Cheers
Ron

P,S, I need to apologize (as do some others). We have totally hijacked Douglas' thread on Brazilian Lugers with this senseless banter and I will not continue with it. Mea Culpa.

Douglas, my apologies. I hope you are doing well.

Hi Ron,

I did not refer to you in the funny post as a rich collector, hearing how you acquired several quality items in your collection over many years of working and searching. I applaud your magnificent collection, reminding you to reserve a few of your special items for me when you decide to start selling - including the M1906 'Russian' Luger which I would join with my M1900/03 Bulgarian Luger display if that is okay with you despite our different theories. I always enjoy a good debate with respect, but sometimes you get sharp when your opinion does not follow logic or historical practices in Imperial Germany or for export. ;)

I would like to hear your wisdom about the Circle-B marking if you think it is unrelated to the DWM cartridge caliber coding.

Cheers,
Albert

Sorry my late answer on this topic, but I had to answer it on the other board.
So, I will just paste my answer to Albert's theory, as I wrote in Jan Still's forum.
______________________________________________________________________

Dear folks,
I am sorry for my delay to jump into this topic, but I have been busy with some new articles and the work at the museum.

After reading the messages, I must say that, with all the due respect to Albert, his theory does not hold up against some historical facts. Other military firearms contracts entered by Brazilian Armed Forces, shows that the "Circled-B proof" is not "related to a cartridge caliber" while other Foreign contract of very similar firearms does not bear the same marks.

First, we should remember that, at the very same time as Brazili was purchasing its Parabellums, Portugal was doing the same. And the Portuguese Army was not only buying the same number of guns (5000) but also in the same configuration: 7,65 mm Parabellum caliber, 4.75 in. bbl. and grip safety. However, even when chambered for the same caliber, the Portuguese guns have a completely different set of proofs (the "circled-Triangle").

It just makes no sense - from the point of viewn of a proofing system - to have this kind of "warning" concerning a "cartridge caliber" used in some guns while not using it in others, from the same time frame.

Now, let's take a look at the well known 1908 Brazilian Mauser Contract (chambered to 7 x 57). This contract is of special meaning as this purchased was made at the same time frame as the Brazilian Lugers and 3/4 of the total amount of the rifles were made at the DWM factory in Berlin. Every each of the 400,000 rifles of this sizable contract (fulfilled between 1908-1914) has the "circled-B" stamp (example below). Blueprints from the Mauser factory - from Jon Speed archives - present the "circled B" as the proof for the "Brazilianische Infanterie Gewehr 1908". It is worth mentioning that such mark has not been seen in any other foreign contract of identical guns (as the Mauser Model 1909 made for Argentina, chambered for the 7,65 x 53) or for the same cartridge (like the Mexican Mauser Model 1910, also chambered for the 7 x 57) just to mention two examples.

On the other hand, "circled-B" proof was also used on other Brazilian military firearms as Anthony Vanderlinden mentioned above.

Those facts clearly show that the "Circled-B" proof was intended to be used by DWM (and Mauser) factory inspectors to identify both rifles and pistols made for Brazilian Military, at least initially. The appearance of this marking in barrels (and barrels only) made at the same time is yet to be explained, although Ron and I have different opinions on this subject.

Greetings,
Douglas.

FWIW, here is the receiver of an 1895 Chilean Mauser made by DWM that I used to own. The serial number is 519 and no suffix. It was an interesting rifle as the rifling and muzzle crown were distinctly different than other 1895 rifles I've owned.

https://i.imgur.com/RYXad3V.jpg

How rare is the circle "B" barrel mark on a 1906 AE 9mm?

This Brazilian may be on the list already, S/N 3587, circle B on left side receiver, Carregada marked extractor, matching, condition is restored.

i just acquired another Brazilian Luger. Proper extractor, circle proof, serial number 4874 all matched
Hope this helps
Mike.