[Geo99]

Hello friends,

I am looking at a 1906 DWM Swiss Commercial SN 48877, BUG proofed on barrel, BU proofed on left side, short frame, 7.65, unmarked wood mag, with what appears to be all original finish. I believe the SN falls in the correct 35000-55000 range for this scarce pistol (only about 1000 were made)?

I am thinking of trying to buy this. I know about WWI guns, but not so much about 1900-1906 models, so I need some expert opinion on some areas of concern. Basically I need to know if it looks all original (I know you can't always tell from pics, but I think it is).

1. The barrel has a second SN stamp (173xx) - what is this?
I have seen this on some other 1906 Swiss - was it done when they put the BUG proofs on it?

2. I did not think a commercial gun should have barrel SN halos - am I wrong? The pistol SN on the barrel has halos (the other number does too, but if that was part of the BUG proof, then it makes sense that it would have halo).

3. The safety area that is ground white looks fat and short to me. Most of the other ones I've seen are a little narrower and extend up past the dimple in the frame. But it is rusted/tarnished in that area so it appears old.

4. Grip safety looks very clean with almost no wear, but the bore is very good too.

5. The holster is definitely not original, but what is it? Late 1920s commercial?


Thanks,
- Geo