Another 1900 test? luger for sale on Auction Arms
 

The mistory deepeens, A 1900 'test' luger, serial number, #7172. has appeared, with no import/Germany stamp,If its legit, it was definitly teste allot, The auction number is #7955323, If this is legit, it lends creadence, that the Test lugers werent restricted to 6000 to 7000, I would invite any comments, Im beginning to beleive the definition of 'THE 1900 US TEST TRIALS, will need a volume 2, Keep serching

Sorry the luger is offered on 'AUCTION ARMS

Eric,
This Luger is a very good candidate for being an authentic Test Luger. The Bannerman purchase included #7147 and this gun is only a few numbers higher. The exact serial number range of the model 1900 Lugers provided to the US for testing has been lost in time, but there is considerable evidence that the 6100-7100 range is doubtful at best with serial numbers both above and below that range exhibiting Test characteristics. I am of the belief that some Lugers with the proper characteristics in the 7100-7199 range have a very high probability of being Test Trial Lugers. Thank you for spotting this one.
Ron

Hard to tell from the glare in the photo if this one has the 2-digit serial number stamped on the flat, left side of its TD lever...definitely not stamped on the right side of the TD lever shaft...

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...temnum=7955323

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/test_copy1.jpg

Looks like it has the Type 2 thumb safety lever...or is it a Type 3 ???

It then is a luger with history, its condition is obviosly signs of use and not abuse, You wonder how many hands have held this Piece of American History.

Pete,
The ad states that the TD is stamped on the left flat.

If I didnt already own one,I would definitly bid on a piece of American History

Assuming every thing is correct, would this Luger make a good candidate for TEDS restoration?

Ron, Pete, et al, It's been my observation that those M1900s in the 7100 range with the last 2 digits stamped on the left side of TD lever (vise the normal commerical lower edge location) and not marked "Germany" on the front of frame, are probably replacements to make the 1000 gun total of the US test contract, for pistols in the 6100-7100 range that were rejected at the factory. I have heard that the rejection rate during this period was about 10%, so probably at least 100 US test guns in this later range. Sorry no hard core proof. Comments? TH

Tom,
That theory is probably as good as any since no records have been found to verify what actually was delivered when. My alternative thought is that the 6100-7100 range was a SWAG based on then known serial numbers. I think that the serial numbers were not necessarily contiguous and there are valid Test pieces above and below that range. There are well over one hundred known 1900 American Eagle Lugers with serial numbers all the way up to close to 8000 that do not bear the GERMANY stamp and have the TD lever numbered on the left flat . Contract overrun in anticipation an additional order? Who knows? And how did they get into the US without the GERMANY stamp? Something that probably will always remain a mystery and give us something to speculate about.

This would make a good spy novel!!

RON, I congradulate you, Finally someone, with authority has step up and layed out in one paragraph, what appears finally to set the recor straight, based on the sources available, and proved that one characturistic isnt definitive, And before you purchase a so called, test luger, you should check with those who have no financial interest, and you might have it examined at a reasonable cost to respected persons like mr Simpson,