Very odd

Dwight Gruber · 02-19-2007, 03:35 AM

Mike,

In 1902 the German Army conducted a test of 55 Luger pistols, along with a number of other self-loading pistols. The reported examples of these guns fall in a series intermingled with Dutch Test Lugers in the 1902 range between sn 22219 and sn 22393 (there are also some American Eagle and Commercial pistols in this range).

The Cartridge Counter guns follow almost immediately with sn 22400, and the 1902 series (dished toggles) continues with several variations until the 1903 (French) Commercial at sn 25000, the first Luger with flat toggles.

The pistol on Gunbroker, sn 22254, falls within the German Test range.

The German Test Lugers are stamped with a crown-over-D on the left receiver and rear frame (Still, Imperial Lugers p.17). These are commonly, and erroneously, called "Danzig Armory" proofs. There was no connection to the "Danzig Armory" with either the mark or the tests, the stamp is a normal c/Letter army inspector's stamp.

This gun has been refinished. It has characteristics which suggest that it may be a real German test pistol, but it would require serious hands-on examination with a knowledgable eye to be sure.

--Dwight

02-19-2007, 03:35 AM	#2
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Mike, In 1902 the German Army conducted a test of 55 Luger pistols, along with a number of other self-loading pistols. The reported examples of these guns fall in a series intermingled with Dutch Test Lugers in the 1902 range between sn 22219 and sn 22393 (there are also some American Eagle and Commercial pistols in this range). The Cartridge Counter guns follow almost immediately with sn 22400, and the 1902 series (dished toggles) continues with several variations until the 1903 (French) Commercial at sn 25000, the first Luger with flat toggles. The pistol on Gunbroker, sn 22254, falls within the German Test range. The German Test Lugers are stamped with a crown-over-D on the left receiver and rear frame (Still, Imperial Lugers p.17). These are commonly, and erroneously, called "Danzig Armory" proofs. There was no connection to the "Danzig Armory" with either the mark or the tests, the stamp is a normal c/Letter army inspector's stamp. This gun has been refinished. It has characteristics which suggest that it may be a real German test pistol, but it would require serious hands-on examination with a knowledgable eye to be sure. --Dwight