[quote]Originally posted by Ron Wood:
<strong>See Mike Jones' post above concerning detailed photos and measurements of the two known .45 Lugers.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ron, I took note of Mike's message before and it would seem that the two known existing .45 Lugers were made to identical specs. What we don't know is if the actual Test Luger, serial number 1, was also made to the same specs or if serial number 2 and any subsequent .45 Lugers were modified to some degree. My best guess is that serial number 2 was an exact duplicate of the Luger used during the testing. My reading indicates that serial number 2 Luger was submitted to the Ord. Dept. in the event that an unforeseen breakage or damage during testing made the original Test Luger unusable for continuation. In my estimation (opinion) it's unlikely that modifications would have been made in any test back-up pistol unless they were so minor as to not change test results in any way. The lower grip configuration and grip angle just might fit the requirement of being mods that didn't negate the completed tests.
That's why the Ord. Dept. photograph is so important. What we don't know is the level of training of the photographer or his attitude on the day the picture was taken. We don't know exactly what camera or lens or the size format the Photographer used. The manner in which the picture was taken isn't known. Even a print made from the original plate or negative may not answer the questions to everyone's satisfaction.
I believe view camera pictures of an early grip-safety Luger without the stock lug would go a long way toward answering the questions. Finding someone willing to devote the time and resources is another matter.
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