After 1922 DWM became BKIW and obtained the authorization to manufacture commercial Lugers for the foreign market (Swiss market in particular), they were basically 1900/06 but the s/n was the German military sort, i.e. four figures followed by a letter suffix . These were commonly called "Swiss Commercial 1920" or "Mod 1923" either with a long or with a short chamber.
Apparently many of these guns came from unsold stocks, or military guns reworked, and we can find 100 mm barrels but also 120 and even 150 mm barrels.
Also the markings are a bit mixed up as we can find 120 mm barrels marked "N" and with the "Bernerprobe" and the Geneva cross.
Other "commercials" were also assembled wit 9 Para gauge.
In 1922 many of these guns were bought by Abercrombie & Fitch of New York, that's why they are often called "Mod 1923"
My 2 cents
Sergio
__________________
"Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.
|