Swiss model 1900 #1

[Imperial Arms]

In order to summarize and correct the information mentioned in this post/discussion regarding the early pre-production Swiss Lugers, the whereabouts of the test Luger serial #1 is unknown. It is possible that this prototype Luger was fired excessively at DWM and discarded/destroyed. Luger pistols serial #5 and #6 (of the 1898 model) are in Switzerland and I depict them on my web site named Imperial Arms.

Based on the survival of various pre-production Lugers and the history of the various trials which occurred during 1898-1901, the following theory can be made:

1898 Swiss Trails - serial #5 and #6 delivered to Switzerland, and maybe a few more pistols (#7, #8, #9) which have not survived;

In the summer of 1898 (I guess), Luger #6 was returned to DWM for modification to improve the safety and the pistol to be lightened in weight. When it was returned to Switzerland for an individual inspection (not a test), it did not meet the satisfaction of the Swiss Pistol Commission who requested that additional improvements be made to the safety, and the pistol must be reduced down to 850 grams;

1899 Swiss Trails - 20 'new and improved' pistols in the serial range 10-29 were delivered for tests which met the satisfaction of the commission. It is a fact that these pistol were PURCHASED by the Swiss Government and it is totally illogical and senseless that some of these pistols would be taken from the Swiss by DWM for modification and/or reburishment and delivered 15 months later to the British for trials;

1899 Dutch Trails - It is estimated that 10 pistols (maybe less) in the serial range 30-40 were delivered to The Netherlands for trails;

When the Swiss gave a contract to DWM for the M1900 pistol, 20 pistols (starting at serial #1 through #20) were offered as gifts to the members of the Swiss Pistol Commission in 1900. These pistols have the normal rear sight of a M1900 pistol unlike the earlier M1899 rear sight which are not slanted, but thin-vertical in form.

In the Spring of 1901, DWM delivers approximately six pistols (in the serial range #21-#26) to the British for trails.

In 1902, a M1900 Swiss Military Luger pistol is delivered to Switzerland with the serial number '01'. It is controversial whether the first nine Swiss military contract pistols from DWM would have a zero with a single-digit serial number when no other German manufacturer would use a zero in front of a serial number.

Albert