Swiss 1900 Serial Number Range...?

[Ron Wood]

I don't think there is a "correct" serial number range for wide-trigger 1900 Swiss. The "found only in the 4000 serial number range" is very likely based on observations made quite some time ago of a limited number of existing examples that had surfaced at that time. No doubt a majority of wide-triggers do fall in that range, but there are some that are found well outside of it. I have serial number 3185 that I have owned for years.

Bobba lists the range of wide-triggers from 3556 to 5000. Also, look closer at the photo on page 97. The wide trigger example is on the left and the serial number is 4124. The one on the right is serial number 1420 and it is a narrow trigger.

It is only speculation on my part, but I think the wide trigger was occasionally provided with some 1900 Swiss Lugers, not necessarily in a given serial number range, primarily to enhance target shooting qualities. It gives a better purchase for the trigger finger providing a better "feel". As Bobba points out, it also may have been incorporated to help left-handed shooters, as "the trigger occupied the whole width of the trigger-guard and was very comfortable to pull with either hand".

I think the wide trigger was installed at the time of manufacture and not a later addition. I have looked at the part serial number of the trigger and under microscopic examination it appears to have been stamped with the same dies as the last two digits of the frame serial number.