DWM, 1900 Portuguese "test"
 

DWM, 1900 model, serial 18861, no proofing whatsoever. This pistol has been in my collection for 16 years.

Several years ago I posted it to the 'net and at that time received numerous interesting comments as to what it is and where it may fit in Luger production. Based on information from the books by Charles Kenyon "Lugers at Random" ©1969 and John Walter "The Luger Book" ©1991, it may be a Luger with Portuguese connections. This is due to the number '62' stamped on the left front of receiver.

Kenyon on page 52 states, "Some examples in the 18000-19000 serial range are stamped with an additional "issue" number on the left side of the receiver. These are weapons purchased by Portugal for military test".

Walter on page 231 states, "A hundred 1900-pattern pistols (18801-18900?) were acquired for trials, one survivor bearing the commercial serial number 18861 that dates it to the very end of 1903 or beginning of 1904. Guns dispatched to the US Army in April 1904 began at 22401. The Portguguese test pieces bore issue numbers - 18861 displays no. 62 - and the distinctive encircled-triangle property mark is also evident".

Also, I found a chart prepared by Mr. David Eash on Portuguese Luger contracts and their respective serial ranges.

I hope that Forum members will find this Luger interesting and comments are appreciated. Not seeking blessings as to authenticity....it is what it is....at least a very nice 1900 Commercial.

well, mine isn't a porty, but its only 139 younger than yours :) and one just a bit older....

18531

18990


I have a Brazilian, and would like to pick up a portuguese at some point.


ed

Ed, thank youi.

I believe Dwight has 3 'test' numbers including this one listed in his commercial production database.
Wish there was more information available on these Lugers.

Very nice. like WOW!

FN

Francis,
As you probably know, there are a couple of threads going on Jan Still’s forum about Portuguese Lugers. You might post your ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING PORTUGUESE (possibly) over there and see how many knickers you can bunch up in a knot from envy (I am presently extracting mine from parts unmentionable).

FIW

Number 84 going on Gunbroker now.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=175021706

Ken D

Ken,

Thank you very much, I will save the photos and auction results.

Take a look at the front sight band and the fact that it is a 6" barrel. Something doesn't seem quite right.

Is there a consensus on the correct barrell length; 4 3/4 or 6 in?

Ken D

The barrel on Number 84 is a replacement, no witness mark and incorrect rear barrel band. This is in addition to what Ron said.

We may never know exactly what these gun are, this one has been messed with quite a bit, and that doesn't aid research


Vern

Vern:

Thanks, I suspected as much.

Ken D

If so, someone got taken for $6,950.00... :(

Hmmm...No tool marks in frame ears...Is that typical of 1900 series Lugers??? :confused:

I beleive the fit and finish on the M1900 is the best of all Luger production. I'm sure it was very time consuming, and some steps were dropped on later models.