Just what is my DWM?

Ron Wood · 09-10-2003, 11:25 PM

A serial number of 34566 makes it a 1906 model American Eagle. The proof on the barrel is BUG. The length of the barrel is measured from the rear of the barrel. Stick a pencil down the barrel until it contacts the breech block, then measure the depth...it will come out a lot closer to the length references you have seen, i.e. 4 3/4".

The American Eagle crest on the chamber was a marketing tool. Lugers intended for sale in the US were marked with this crest. The extractor (the roughly "t" shaped bar on the top of the breech block) will say "LOADED" on the left hand side if you lift up on the forward end of it and raise it above the breech block.

If the blueing is only worn on the front protruding edges, it sounds like it is in pretty good condition. Don't be in a hurry to clean up the grips. A little darkness is befitting its age. Pictures would help to give a better assessment of its condition and possible value. Can you take some digital pictures and post them here on the forum?

The 1906 American Eagle is a beautiful, elegant Luger and love at first sight is only to be expected. Congratulations.

09-10-2003, 11:25 PM	#3
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 5,256 Times in 1,724 Posts	A serial number of 34566 makes it a 1906 model American Eagle. The proof on the barrel is BUG. The length of the barrel is measured from the rear of the barrel. Stick a pencil down the barrel until it contacts the breech block, then measure the depth...it will come out a lot closer to the length references you have seen, i.e. 4 3/4". The American Eagle crest on the chamber was a marketing tool. Lugers intended for sale in the US were marked with this crest. The extractor (the roughly "t" shaped bar on the top of the breech block) will say "LOADED" on the left hand side if you lift up on the forward end of it and raise it above the breech block. If the blueing is only worn on the front protruding edges, it sounds like it is in pretty good condition. Don't be in a hurry to clean up the grips. A little darkness is befitting its age. Pictures would help to give a better assessment of its condition and possible value. Can you take some digital pictures and post them here on the forum? The 1906 American Eagle is a beautiful, elegant Luger and love at first sight is only to be expected. Congratulations. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction