Hi Norm,
Of the 'original' .45s floating around, there are 2 distinct variations. The difference is mainly in grip shape (near the stock-lug area, or where it is on a P08) and the raking angle of the grip.
The photo shown in the 1907 trial report differs from other known DWM-made .45s, including the one that's currently known as the surviving 1907 test piece.
Of course this presents a bit of a problem:
-How likely is it that Georg Luger decided to knock up 2 distinctively different 1907-trial pieces?
-Were the trial pieces identical in shape?
-If so, why does the surviving gun doesn't look like a trial-piece?
Interestingly, the .45 carabine in Shattuck's collection has a shape identical to the one pictured in the US-trials (apart from the carabine modification, of course).
In my opinion the gun currently known to exist as the 1907-trial survivor isn't. (the 'sid aberman gun').
I believe that DWM-produced .45s come in two different shapes:
-The 2 identical 1907-trial pieces, made under GL's direct supervision.
-4 to 5 slightly modified .45s for tooling guidance and further testing.
Pete suggests that the 2 1907 trial pieces may have been 2 different set-ups, thus explaining how the surviving 1907-trial gun differs from the one pictured.
One interesting test fact: In order to improve feeding behaviour of the .45 test piece, the magazine's spring was clipped (shortened) a few times.
This image appeared in a previous thread and is taken from a German-language reprint of the 1907-trials. It is exactly the same picture, but the magazine image has been rotated to reduce the overall size of the picture. Note the shades and lighting, it's identical.
