Bulgarian Luger ?

Dwight Gruber · 12-31-2006, 04:04 AM

Jay,

Bulgarian contract Lugers encompass three different models: 1900, 1906, and 1908. The 1900 and 1906 Bulgarians are representitive of their type, including grip safeties and standard rear-frame lanyard staple. They are marked with DWM on the center toggle link and the Bulgarian Royal crest on the chamber. These guns were supplied in caliber.30 Luger, although many of those in service were eventually rebarrelled to 9mm.

The 1908 Bulgarian are representitive of the 1908 type, in 9mm and without grip safety, but with some unique characteristics. These guns have no lanyard staple, but instead have a lanyard loop at the bottom of the rear grip strap. On these guns the DWM hallmark is stamped over the chamber, and the center toggle is stamped with the Bulgarian Rampant Lion crest.

Here is a picture of the top of a 1908 Bulgarian,

and a link to a discussion with more pictures

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ight=bulgarian

The Luger you present appears to be a 1908 Bulgarian frame, with a 9mm rebarrelled 1906 receiver and toggle assembly. The service life of Bulgarian Lugers was arduous, and it is within the realm of possibility that this combination was assembled in a Bulgarian armory. This supposition cannot be confirmed, and rests in the realm of WAG speculation.

--Dwight

12-31-2006, 04:04 AM	#4
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Jay, Bulgarian contract Lugers encompass three different models: 1900, 1906, and 1908. The 1900 and 1906 Bulgarians are representitive of their type, including grip safeties and standard rear-frame lanyard staple. They are marked with DWM on the center toggle link and the Bulgarian Royal crest on the chamber. These guns were supplied in caliber.30 Luger, although many of those in service were eventually rebarrelled to 9mm. The 1908 Bulgarian are representitive of the 1908 type, in 9mm and without grip safety, but with some unique characteristics. These guns have no lanyard staple, but instead have a lanyard loop at the bottom of the rear grip strap. On these guns the DWM hallmark is stamped over the chamber, and the center toggle is stamped with the Bulgarian Rampant Lion crest. Here is a picture of the top of a 1908 Bulgarian, and a link to a discussion with more pictures http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ight=bulgarian The Luger you present appears to be a 1908 Bulgarian frame, with a 9mm rebarrelled 1906 receiver and toggle assembly. The service life of Bulgarian Lugers was arduous, and it is within the realm of possibility that this combination was assembled in a Bulgarian armory. This supposition cannot be confirmed, and rests in the realm of WAG speculation. --Dwight