Early Luger ID Needed
 

I have been offered a early Luger....and need some help on identification......it has the old style frame,toggles and grip safety......30 Cal....serial#89xx....DWM manufacture....Germany marked on Frame...no chamber markings...the interesting mark is a Swiss cross on the LH side of the Barrel in front of the receiver....the gun is in excellent condition with a holster original to the gun...any info and a possible value on this gun would be appreciated...Thanks....Peter...

Some of the early 1900'S had Swiss profed barrels. I had # 2103 American Eagle and it had a swiss proofed barrel.
Russ <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Thanks Russ....I have not seen the gun yet.....I am looking forward to seeing it...

Lugercollector, according to Costanzo pg 160, proof #18, this is the Swiss acceptance and alteration parts proof manufactured at the government arms factory at Eidgenessische Waffenfabrik Bern from 1900 to the present.

As Russ pointed out, Swiss proofs turned up on non-Swiss Lugers. Apparently there was either an over-run of Swiss barrels or the press of meeting production schedules made it necessary to use what was on hand. The 1900 American Eagle model production started around serial number 2000. I once owned serial number 2199 that had a Swiss proofed barrel. Currently, my number 2136 and every other 1900 American Eagle that I have encountered in this 2000-2200 range has had the Swiss proofed barrel. I do not find it surprising at all when an early model 1900 Luger turns up with a Swiss proofed barrel.

The 1900 you have been offered is a commercial Luger made for export, probably to an English speaking country, but it is not often encountered in the US since the American Eagle commercial was marketed here and is much more prevalent.

Does the Luger you have been offered have the Type 2 or Type 3 thumb safety? I congratulate you on your excellent acquisition and I hope you will be able to post pictures of it, and in particular some pictures of the holster that is original to the gun

Thanks for the replies Gentlemen.....I have not yet made an offer on the gun.....it may take some serious negotiating to purchase this firearm....I will post pictures if it comes into my possession...Peter...