An Early 1900 American Eagle

[Ron Wood]

The original posts in this thread are 11 years old! The forum software has undergone a number of upgrades/revisions in that period. Unfortunately the links to images are not preserved when these modifications take place. It would be an impossible task for John D. to go through all of the thousands of posts and repair the links, it has to be done by the individual originator of the posts. For example, I had to go back in and restore the images in my "Early Frame" and "Dutch Magazines" tutorials (2004 and 2007 respectively). Hopefully Dwight will still have the images for this thread and will have the time to repair them. It is a bit of a tedious process so he should be given understanding if it does not happen.

[AR-50A1]

Additional informationHello Dwight,

Here is my latest addition: A 1900 American Eagle Luger in exceptional condition that I purchased from Checkpoint Charlies (s/n 13568). I purchased it with the understanding that it may have experienced an early professional restoration because it just looks 'too nice'.

The barrel shows corrosion but the inside surfaces of the frame as well as the barrel extension are corrosion free.

Matching numbers include the barrel, barrel extension (lug), locking bolt, side plate, rear toggle link, front toggle link (inside), breech block, trigger and grip safety. Nickle plated magazine with plain wood bottom.

Safety catch is a Type 3. The frame has been 'buffed in the white' under the safety catch when it is rotated to the 'up' (SAFE) position. The grip safety is the 'wide' type.

A 'flaming bomb' is stamped into the frame well located behind the locking bolt The toggle lock is also present and operational.

There are no proof marks present (other than the flaming bomb).

A very beautiful example. This pistol has the flat main spring and the one piece extractor (both prone to breaking).

Comments are always welcome.

Bill

January 16, 2016 Additional Information

"The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols" by Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, Vol. II (red covers)
Table 10/II: Old Model Production - 1901, page 592, Pistols in the range s/n of 8,000 and up, placement of serial number

Stripping Latch (locking bolt): Bottom
Magazine Latch (magazine release): None
Safety Lever Type: II > III
Germany Import Mark: Yes
Sear Bar: None
Frame Well Marks: Flaming Bomb plus the number 1
Receiver Ring Number Marks: 3 to 5