[Maestro]

OMG

DWM Luger Model 1902 Carbine Rig Complete with Matching Shoulder Stock and Rare Original Double Compartment Leather Carrying Case

Estimated $37,500-$55,000!!!

Description: This is one of the finest examples of a DWM Model 1902 Luger Carbine that we have ever offered for auction. This example is in exceptional condition that shows very minor handling marks and is complete with an original, unaltered DWM factory, matching numbered, walnut shoulder stock and rare leather carrying case. These carbines were an early attempt by DWM to a produce a light weight rifle substitute, to compete specifically with the Mauser Broomhandle carbines as well as all the other stocked pistols being produced in Europe at this time. There were only a total of 2500 of this model ever produced in two serial number blocks with this specific pistol being in the later part of the second block of serial numbers, of which only 1400 total were made. The unique feature of this pistol is that they all have a 11 3/4 inch barrel, with the DWM factory hanger on the front end of the frame, that holds the small walnut forend which is fitted with a small spring accelerator mechanism inside. This small spring mechanism is necessary in functioning the carbine during the cycling phase, by helping to return the barrel/upper receiver into battery due to the additional weight of the longer barrel. All these 1902 Luger carbines have all the rare and desirable early features such as: the long old style frame, flat mainspring, grip safety, dished toggles with toggle lock on the right side, and the recessed/flat breech bolt with the small spring extractor. The top of the chamber is blank and the front toggle has the DWM logo for "Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken". The full serial number (24278) is correctly marked on the underside of the frame extension, and the underside of the barrel. Also on the underside of the barrel in front of the rear sight base is the "Crown over B, U and G" proofmarks over "122,23". The left side of the barrel extension/upper receiver is correctly marked with the "Crown over B and U" proofs. The forend, inside the cutout for the frame extension is correctly numbered (278) which matches the pistol. The last two digits of the serial number (78) are correctly marked on the various small parts. The grips are unnumbered, however both are marked with a small "*" asterisk proof, on the back side. The stock is completely original and has a black horn butt plate, lower sling swivel with an original attaching iron that is numbered "278" on top. The magazine has a nickel plated body with the correct wood base and marked with only a single small ordnance bomb type proof. These pistols all have a rust blued finish with a straw color on the various small parts. As noted above, this Luger Carbine is complete with one of the very rare all leather, double compartment carrying cases that were specifically made to hold the Luger and stock assembly. These leather cases were all made in the early 1900s and later phased out because DWM stopped making the Luger carbines. Surviving examples are very rare today as the case actually took all the wear and tear to preserve the Luger and stock assembly. Both ends of the case are fitted with a lid, that opens up, with the top half of the case or upper compartment would hold the complete luger pistol and forend with the lower compartment holding the complete stock assembly. One lid or end cover is stamped with the full serial number "24278" of the Luger pistol, along with a large script letter "L" on the side of the case. Although this leather case does not have a specific retailers stamp, it is identical to examples sold and distributed by "Von Lengerke and Antoine". They were the largest Chicago retailers of firearms at the turn of the century in Chicago and later this company was sold to Abercrombie and Fitch in 1928.
Condition: Excellent plus with 98% plus of the original blue finish overall with some barely noticeable carrying case wear. The various small parts all retain 95% of their original straw colors with just a hint of wear on the edges and high spots with most of the wear on the face of the trigger. The grips, stock and forend are all excellent with a beautiful light brown matching color with excellent sharp checkering on the stock, forend and grips, with a small light pressure dent directly behind the magazine release button. The stock shows only a couple very minor light handling marks. This beautiful example of a DWM 1902 Luger carbine has all matching parts to include the original shoulder stock. The leather carrying case is also excellent, with a nice medium brown color overall with some light scuffs on the upper side of the case and the edges and corners of the lid or end covers. The straps are showing age cracking and flaking of the leather where they actually are inserted into the latches or buckles. One of the leather straps have broken. The stitching is tight overall, except for one of the lids or end covers that shows slightly more leather scuffing, with some stitching just starting to fray slightly, with a couple of the strap retainers on the lids separated. An exceptionally high condition all original 1902 Luger Carbine rig, one of the best we have ever offered at auction.