1900 Test Luger?
 

I believe I have a 1900 test luger that I've pm'd Ron Wood to help me identify. I'm hoping someone can help me locate a sideplate that will fit this long receiver model as the current sideplate isn't working and have been told it was from a P-08. I know the sideplate may need finessed to work but what do I need to be looking for to at least get one that is close enough to make this gun functional.

Any help would be appreciated.

Looks nice - a 1900 sideplate is hard to find, not impossible, but not common.

I think the sn is 6448? which would be a bannerman number - 8448 would be too high

I like it no matter what :)

David,
The side plate is from a later model. A 1900 side plate will have a square upper left corner, not rounded at all, and the right edge of the plate will be flush with the frame. The little L-shaped transfer bar is also different in these early guns, that is why yours does not function properly. Tom Heller (lugerdoc) has quite an inventory of Luger parts and might be able to provide what you need

Ron, do you know it this is a newly-surfaced example, or one that has already been observed and recorded?

Calvin, Sorry I'm currently sold out of M1900 side plates & trigger levers. TH

David,
I am away from home right now so I don't have access to my data. Looking it up will be one of the first things I do when I get back home next week! (I suspect it might be a new example).
Ron

David, you might try Mike Krause at 650-571 7583, noon to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday Pacific time. He has an amazing array of parts.

Thanks everyone for the assistance. I may have found a 1900 sideplate assembly with excellent blueing. However, the guy wants $500. I'm not sure if that is a fair price or not. What do you think?

Seems high, but then I have only had a 1900 sideplate on a gun, but have had lots of 1908 sideplates....

So, although high, it might be only game in town, if you need it now...

I have been a little slow in getting back to this thread...my apologies. The gun is a new serial number for the data base (thank you !) and it is a Bannerman purchase piece so totally authentic! I think that $500 is pretty high for a side plate, but since it has excellent bluing the condition would be similar to the gun (assuming the side plate is original and not a reblue) it might be a decent investment. It would be nice to have a complete functional Test piece.

Keep in mind that this side plate, if it is the one I'm thinking of, has to be custom rust blued to match the rest of the gun, thus labor is involved, not just shipping off a 1900 side plate from a parts box. Considering this, $500 is arguably high but satisfaction is guaranteed and I doubt another 1900 side plate that would augment the entire gun's appearance could be had for less.

Herb
What is the current condition of the side plate? Is it "in the white"?

Herb, The only way I'd pay $500 for this side plate, is if it has the matching 2 digit serial on the lower edge to your pistol. Tom

Tom...agreed! The side plate currently, I am told, has significant blue wear.

You are being squeezed by someone seeing desparation.

I would try and hold out for another.