Late 1906 Commercial - American Eagle
 

I "found" this one last weekend, and from my reading this pistol,
number 69052 is just over the commonly reported high number for this type at 69000.

Probably made in 1913, just before DWM switched to P 08 production with the stock lug.

Excellent condition inside and out. Test fired and works just fine.

I don't really collect 7.65mm Lugers, but figured I "needed" one
for the collection when I found this nice one.;)

I'm curious about the marking on the rear of the frame; could be a
"3", "5", "S", or maybe something else. Any ideas?:confused:

Congratulations on your new acquisition, beautiful piece.


Sergio

The marking on the back looks like a double strike "5". It looks like the tool bounced and elongated the stricking.

Don, Nice one. With the horizontal C/N proofing and this serial range, your pistol would be classified as a M1914 commercial. The marking on the rear is probably just an inspection mark, whatever the letter or number is. TH

Beautiful pistol, you have to love the quality of these early commercial guns. You mag. also looks correct, from a amateurs point of view.

Mark

Don,

By serial number, 1,000 guns before the stock lug was introduced into military production by the army in 1913. Also, I will opine differently from my friend Tom and point out that all physical characteristics of this pistol are New Model Parabellum.

But I nitpick. This is a very nice pistol, and significant in a commercial Luger.

--Dwight

Really nice AE, where was it "found"?

Great Photography!!

Very small show here in NC, but from a well traveled collector.

No history.

Thanks Dwight,
then I'm to think this is properly described as a 1906, and made in 1913?

What is or would be a 1914 Commercial?

Don,

You have conveniently pushed a soapbox firmly under my feet.

This Luger is properly described as a New Model Parabellum, made in 1913.

P08 Commercial with stock lug are made after the military introduction of the stock lug in 1913.

Please see the commentary associated with this link http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=31901

--Dwight

Dwight,
I did read that post, twice in fact. My heads still swimming?

I understand that what you say is correct, it is just that if I write:
"new model parabellum", near everyone will ask "which model"!:cheers:

Thanks for the clarification, 1913 it is.

...but not 1913 variation!!...

--Dwight

Got it, had it, I think-

New Model Parabellum made in 1913 with American eagle crest/seal.

How many Eagle models were produced in Germany for exportation to the U.S. It would be a heck of a collection! Eric

Model 1900 "Old Model", which includes the "standard" Commercial 7.65mm starting with serial number 2002 and the 7.65mm US Test Trials model; Model 1902 "Old Model" which includes the 9mm '02 "Fat Barrel'" and the US Test Trials "Cartridge Counter"; Model 1906 "New Model" both 7.65mm and 9mm; Model 1920"ish" post-war commercials typically the "Safe/Loaded" variation. So for Eagle models that can be "categorized" I would say seven. I am not including the modern reproduction AE stainless guns marketed under various brands as they were not produced in Germany.

Eric,

If you look at the tiniest detail variations at least 12, perhaps as many as 16 depending on the oddball pistols which may show up.

Yes, the thought has occurred to me...

--Dwight

Ahhhhh, perfect!!

This was the golden age of Lugers, I'm thankful some primos survived! Its a miracle that DWM could produce the quantity and quality especially in war time! The Eagle crest was ingenious! And of course custom lugers geared for a different country with emblems are in high demand~ He was a marketing genius. Wars didn't always produce all lugers but perfection and engineering did and continues their demand to this day! One more! Was there a year or early model that was manufactured of the highest quality besides presentation pieces~ Eric PS Where did they acquire their Eagle dyes. Almost a counterfeit or trademark infridgement. Eric

Don thanks for the info, congratulations on a very nice pistol.

May I ask what you paid for it? I find I'm getting more and more interested in these pre-WWI Parabellums. Like you I feel the "need" for a nice example. If you'd rather not that's perfectly fine. Just trying to "calibrate" my market knowledge as my career as Luger Searcher progresses. I'm highly interested in what people offer/actually pay.