Hello Ed,
1. There are two (2) decent books that cover the Swiss lugers; those made both by DWM as well as the Swiss arsenal in Bern.
The first book is an older book by Fred A. Datig, titled "Monograph IV - The Swiss Variations 1897 - 1947. Printed in 1955-58 and reprinted in 1992. You can still find these on E-bay once in a while and at gun book stores or web sellers for around $ 20-30.00. This book is 88 pages with good text and black & white photos.
The second book is a newer one by Vittorio M. Bobba, titled "Parabellum - A Technical History of Swiss Lugers. Printed in 1996 and still available brand new for $ 100-125.00 from gun book stores and some of the bigger luger dealers. This book is an oversized volume, has 224 pages, and the best color photos of both DWM and Bern lugers you will ever see. Most are museum-quality lugers. This book also has a side-by-side, detail photographic comparison of the various swiss lugers and their unique traits and a detailed listing of serial numbers for each model and manufacturer.
2. Mr. Bobba, on page 206 of his book, lists the serial number of all 1900 DWM Swiss contract lugers falling in the 01 to 5000 range. This is consistent with the list that Orv Reichert mentioned in his preivous thread.
Mr. Bobba also mentions some model 1900 Swiss lugers in the 5001A-5100A range that were originally stamped with an Exxx serial number that was removed and renumbered in the 5001A to 5100A range.
3. In both books, I cannot find any reference to 1900 DWM Swiss contract lugers numbered in the military style.
4. Typically a 1900 Swiss 4-3/4" barrel would have a small Swiss federal cross stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver end of the barrel.
Regards,
Pete... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />