A Collection Of Eagles

cirelaw · 06-14-2007, 07:42 AM

Morning, since I purchased my 1900 Test Luger, Ive become addited to a fine Eagle, and want to limit my future collection, to this fine category, of Eagles. Since there exists no books or articles on the subjust, I find myself, in need of direction,and brotherly advice, IE, In what year where they produced, Were can I find out about the different varieties and cost, Since my taste of owning a beautiful 1900, dn/6786, I am truly addicted. What is the rarest and most expensive, The 1902 Fat Barrel? If so, what is her price range, Are there others of you, out their with a simular addition, Inquiring mind, wish to know. Eric esq, God Speed!

Dwight Gruber · 06-14-2007, 08:30 AM

Eric,

The American Eagle series production began in 1900 with sn 2002. They appear on the standard 1902 Fat Barrel and 1902 Cartridge Counter (50 made). They appear on the 1906 model in both .30 and 9mm., with proofs and without. American Eagle series production ends with the end of model 1906 production, in 1913.

American Eagle chamber stamps occur very sporadically on late-20DWM and Alphabet Commercial pistols, probably as special-order items, sometimes with Safe/Loaded safety and ejector marks. They are also often seen in conjunction with A.F. Stoeger receiver markings.

Considering all the possible combinations of markings and other characteristics (frame length, thumb safety, takedown, etc.) a complete American Eagle collection encompasses more than 24 different detail variations. You can see what each of these might be with close examination of the Commercial database.

--Dwight

Pete Ebbink · 06-14-2007, 10:00 AM

Doug Smith of FGS has this one for sale :

http://www.fgsinc.8m.com/images/lug9425.jpg

http://www.fgsinc.8m.com/photo.html

Pete Ebbink · 06-14-2007, 11:03 AM

Here is a great photo of a nice AE chamber stamping. Really nice detail in the feathers of the eagle's tail...

A cautionary tale...many sellers will offer up the term "lightly struck" to excuse an AE stamping that may have gone through a rework...

When I hear "lightly struck" at gun shows...I always hear "heavily sanded" running through my mind...

Ron Wood · 06-14-2007, 11:03 AM

Those '02 Eagles aren't cheap. Doug had a mint one for sale about a year ago that he was asking $16,500...don't know if it sold for that but I wouldn't be surprised. Simpson has three for sale ranging from $9,500 (with repro cartridge counter grips) to $15,000.

Pete Ebbink · 06-14-2007, 11:18 AM

Related topic about the style of AE stampings :

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...merican+eagles

cirelaw · 06-14-2007, 12:14 PM

I could not have any more trusting friends, looking out for for us. God Blees and Thank You All, Eric

cirelaw · 06-14-2007, 12:25 PM

Ron, we are lucky to have access to one of the icons, who is not only facinated, my the myriad of varieties and and nuances, but takes time to share his invaluable time, interest and self taught practical knowlegable. He also teaches it well. I learned that if Ron hasnt heard of it, it doesn't exist!! A Gratful student.

cirelaw · 06-24-2007, 05:50 PM

I was wondering why only the Eagles have the two parrel lines below the round doughnut. It dawned on me anothr almost foolproof test for reblueing, NO MARK, NO SALE!!! Do they appear on all Eagles. I forgot why it only appeared on the Eagles, or did it, Id welcome any observations, and we are only scatching the 'Luger Layer's surfice. ps, I thougt Peter had compiled a collection of Eagles somewhere.

Ron Wood · 06-24-2007, 07:41 PM

The two parallel lines are found on all 1900 and 1902 model Lugers because they employ a toggle lock. It is where the latch for the toggle lock is fitted into the frame. You are on the right track that if the "lines" are missing it is a clue that the piece probably has been refinished. A word of caution however, I have seen original, non-refinished Lugers where these lines are barely visible and/or may not show any light color. Also, boosters can easily fake these lines by polishing away the blue with a thin instrument. This can detected under magnification, so you really need to examine a "mint" gun with a jewelers loop with at least 10X magnification. Here are a few of the examples posted by Pete Ebbink and notice in particular the top example where the right line is barely visible.

06-14-2007, 07:42 AM	#1
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	A Collection Of Eagles Morning, since I purchased my 1900 Test Luger, Ive become addited to a fine Eagle, and want to limit my future collection, to this fine category, of Eagles. Since there exists no books or articles on the subjust, I find myself, in need of direction,and brotherly advice, IE, In what year where they produced, Were can I find out about the different varieties and cost, Since my taste of owning a beautiful 1900, dn/6786, I am truly addicted. What is the rarest and most expensive, The 1902 Fat Barrel? If so, what is her price range, Are there others of you, out their with a simular addition, Inquiring mind, wish to know. Eric esq, God Speed!

06-14-2007, 11:03 AM	#5
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,040 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,257 Times in 1,724 Posts	Those '02 Eagles aren't cheap. Doug had a mint one for sale about a year ago that he was asking $16,500...don't know if it sold for that but I wouldn't be surprised. Simpson has three for sale ranging from $9,500 (with repro cartridge counter grips) to $15,000. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

06-24-2007, 07:41 PM	#10
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,040 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,257 Times in 1,724 Posts	The two parallel lines are found on all 1900 and 1902 model Lugers because they employ a toggle lock. It is where the latch for the toggle lock is fitted into the frame. You are on the right track that if the "lines" are missing it is a clue that the piece probably has been refinished. A word of caution however, I have seen original, non-refinished Lugers where these lines are barely visible and/or may not show any light color. Also, boosters can easily fake these lines by polishing away the blue with a thin instrument. This can detected under magnification, so you really need to examine a "mint" gun with a jewelers loop with at least 10X magnification. Here are a few of the examples posted by Pete Ebbink and notice in particular the top example where the right line is barely visible. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

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06-14-2007, 08:30 AM	#2
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Eric, The American Eagle series production began in 1900 with sn 2002. They appear on the standard 1902 Fat Barrel and 1902 Cartridge Counter (50 made). They appear on the 1906 model in both .30 and 9mm., with proofs and without. American Eagle series production ends with the end of model 1906 production, in 1913. American Eagle chamber stamps occur very sporadically on late-20DWM and Alphabet Commercial pistols, probably as special-order items, sometimes with Safe/Loaded safety and ejector marks. They are also often seen in conjunction with A.F. Stoeger receiver markings. Considering all the possible combinations of markings and other characteristics (frame length, thumb safety, takedown, etc.) a complete American Eagle collection encompasses more than 24 different detail variations. You can see what each of these might be with close examination of the Commercial database. --Dwight

06-14-2007, 10:00 AM	#3
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Doug Smith of FGS has this one for sale : http://www.fgsinc.8m.com/images/lug9425.jpg http://www.fgsinc.8m.com/photo.html

06-14-2007, 11:18 AM	#6
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Related topic about the style of AE stampings : http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...merican+eagles

06-14-2007, 12:14 PM	#7
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	I could not have any more trusting friends, looking out for for us. God Blees and Thank You All, Eric

06-14-2007, 12:25 PM	#8
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	Ron, we are lucky to have access to one of the icons, who is not only facinated, my the myriad of varieties and and nuances, but takes time to share his invaluable time, interest and self taught practical knowlegable. He also teaches it well. I learned that if Ron hasnt heard of it, it doesn't exist!! A Gratful student.

06-24-2007, 05:50 PM	#9
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	I was wondering why only the Eagles have the two parrel lines below the round doughnut. It dawned on me anothr almost foolproof test for reblueing, NO MARK, NO SALE!!! Do they appear on all Eagles. I forgot why it only appeared on the Eagles, or did it, Id welcome any observations, and we are only scatching the 'Luger Layer's surfice. ps, I thougt Peter had compiled a collection of Eagles somewhere.