LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Norton .45 Luger Follow-Up...

Pete Ebbink · 08-19-2004, 08:52 PM

As some of you may know, there is quite a lively discussion (and debate, sometimes) occuring on Jan Still's gun discussion board about the various .45 luger pistols of the 1907 US Trials.

In those discussion, I had asked (and I have asked here on the LF in the past as well), what documentation might exist that substantiates the claim that the Norton .45 luger, now in the Norton Gallery in LA-State, was one of the 1907 US Trials lugers or an in-reserve pistol at the Trials or even a gun left-behind in Germany for safe-keeping.

One advanced collector suggested that I contact the folks at the Norton Gallery to ask about this documentaton and the gun's provenance prior to its surfacing in the 1960's and subsequent sale to the folks at the Norton Gallery, shortly thereafter. I did so.

Here is the nice reply I received from the Norton Gallery in response to my inquiry :

(Begin quote)

Dear Mr. Ebbink:

Thank you for requesting background documentation/information, etc. on our Luger .45 cal. pistol. There has been much speculation about the number of pistols actually made for the 1907 trials, but as far as I know, no positive documented proof has arisen.

I'm afraid there is not much I can add to the information already posted about our #3. It was acquired by Harry Jones from Ross Egles of Burlington, Ontario, Canada in July, 1960. Mr. Norton acquired it from Mr. Jones in that same month. We know nothing about its history from 1907 to 1960, nor do we know of any Luger experts who may have actually seen the pistol while it was in Mr. Jones' possession. As you may, or may not know, Harry Jones was a leading authority on Lugers having written several books on the subject. I seriously doubt that Mr. Norton would have asked for any other opinions as to the gun's authenticity.

I am sorry that we don't have any more history on our pistol to post on the Luger forum. If any should come to light, I will be more than happy to post it.

Sincerely,

Jerry Bloomer
Public Relations
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
4747 Creswell Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71106-1899
Phone: 318-865-4201
Web: www.rwnaf.org

(End quote)

Thought folks might be interested in reading this update regarding the Norton luger.

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

08-19-2004, 08:52 PM	#1
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Norton .45 Luger Follow-Up... As some of you may know, there is quite a lively discussion (and debate, sometimes) occuring on Jan Still's gun discussion board about the various .45 luger pistols of the 1907 US Trials. In those discussion, I had asked (and I have asked here on the LF in the past as well), what documentation might exist that substantiates the claim that the Norton .45 luger, now in the Norton Gallery in LA-State, was one of the 1907 US Trials lugers or an in-reserve pistol at the Trials or even a gun left-behind in Germany for safe-keeping. One advanced collector suggested that I contact the folks at the Norton Gallery to ask about this documentaton and the gun's provenance prior to its surfacing in the 1960's and subsequent sale to the folks at the Norton Gallery, shortly thereafter. I did so. Here is the nice reply I received from the Norton Gallery in response to my inquiry : (Begin quote) Dear Mr. Ebbink: Thank you for requesting background documentation/information, etc. on our Luger .45 cal. pistol. There has been much speculation about the number of pistols actually made for the 1907 trials, but as far as I know, no positive documented proof has arisen. I'm afraid there is not much I can add to the information already posted about our #3. It was acquired by Harry Jones from Ross Egles of Burlington, Ontario, Canada in July, 1960. Mr. Norton acquired it from Mr. Jones in that same month. We know nothing about its history from 1907 to 1960, nor do we know of any Luger experts who may have actually seen the pistol while it was in Mr. Jones' possession. As you may, or may not know, Harry Jones was a leading authority on Lugers having written several books on the subject. I seriously doubt that Mr. Norton would have asked for any other opinions as to the gun's authenticity. I am sorry that we don't have any more history on our pistol to post on the Luger forum. If any should come to light, I will be more than happy to post it. Sincerely, Jerry Bloomer Public Relations R.W. Norton Art Gallery 4747 Creswell Ave. Shreveport, LA 71106-1899 Phone: 318-865-4201 Web: www.rwnaf.org (End quote) Thought folks might be interested in reading this update regarding the Norton luger. Regards, Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />