Something new to ponder
 

One of the distinguishing features of the Old Model (1900) Luger is the square cornered side plate that is flush with the frame on the right hand edge. Just recently Tim Hawkens acquired a 1900 Commercial in the 15XXX serial number range. In looking at the photos it appeared that the side plate stands just a bit proud of the frame rather than flush. I called Tim and he verified that this is indeed the case.

I had also just recently taken note of my ’02 Carbine when Jerry Burney was in search of a proper side plate for the Carbine he is resurrecting, and observed that the side plate on it also is proud of the frame. This prompted me to look further at my ’02 Fat Barrel, Cartridge Counter and ’03 French Transitional. Lo and behold, they also have the proud side plate.

So now, this begs the question…when did the change in the Old Model side plate take place. From this very cursory initial investigation I am guessing that was in the late 1902-early 1903 time frame. Tim’s gun sets a starting point at the 15XXX serial number range. It would be interesting for those of you that have Old Model Lugers to check their side plates…we might be able to narrow down the serial number range when this small change took place.

By the way, before you ask, I have no idea why the change was made. :)
Ron

Ron, This is Swiss 2813. It is fitted proud to the frame on the right edge and in the trigger guard area. Red arrows indicate.

Thiis makes me wonder if the standard plate always left enough metal to be proud of the frame, but the process of fitting it milled some down farther than others?

The side plate of my 1900 commercial s.n. 3402 is flush. It is probably too early for your purposes in this matter.

Great observation Ron,

M1900 AE 8748 flush side plate.

KFS

18660 is like Tim's in that the fit of the right side of the side plate is a bit proud.

Dave,
Yes, it is a bit early. I have a 1900 Commercial that probably was made the same day (or close to it) as yours, #3453!
Ron

This is another DWM made Swiss, M1900/06 sn 11816 made in 1909. The plate is clearly proud of the frame in this picture.

Excellent! Thank you.
Ron

Ron, 1900 AE #10052 flush side plate. John

DWM commercial - 4512 flush
DWM Swiss military - 1264 flush

Concerning this side plate study, I did not realize that I was plowing ground that had already been worked. As mentioned in this topic on Jan Still's forum and then confirmed by Charles Whittaker via Jerry Burney (Charles is a "lurker" on the Jan Still forum and a super source of information ) this difference in side plates is already quite well covered in Görtz & Sturgess "The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols". According to that source, the change occurred around commercial serial number 10050 and Swiss second military contract (serial number 2001 and above). That pretty firmly locks in the transition to ~1903. End of pondering...thanks to all that participated.

Significant note:
John, your AE #10052 falls right at the range in G&S and pushes the transition a bit higher than their 10050! Thank you!
Ron

Ron

The side plate of my Swiss DWM 1900 commercial s/n 763 is absolutely flush.

Sergio.
Congratulations on owning such an early specimen! Does your Swiss still have an unrelieved frame and flat button magazine?
Ron

Absolutely, early production Model 1900 Swiss Luger chambered in 7.65mm Luger, its chamber is stamped with Swiss "Cross in Sunburst" crest, unrelieved frame and low button magazine.

Wonderful example!
Ron

Sergio VERY COOL!