What Makes A US Test Eagle...? - Page 2

MauserLugers · 08-24-2003, 01:22 AM

Pete,
My test in the 6100-7100 range is very, very nice and is probably a strong 96% plus original conditon -- #6689, while #7735 has more grip strap wear is probably closer to 94% condition. Both are way above average in conditon for these tests, if they are test pieces? -- Bill

Sniper · 08-24-2003, 08:35 AM

I have been over this piece with a 10x jewelers loop several times, and I cannot see any indication of either proofs or "Germany" stamped anywhere on it anywhere.
I would be happy to send pictures to anyone interested. Just me your email address? The piece is in excellent condition, no pitting and showing only honest wear from its holster. Trigger is mostly yellowed, I think you call this "strawing" as is the little piece of steel beneath the eagle.
Thanks for the help! Tom in Linden Michigan
thek98sniper@aol.com

Sniper · 08-24-2003, 11:27 AM

I have (with the aide of my very patient wife) posted pictures of the pieces. Cut and paste this in your URL and hit "go". No password required. Sorry this took so long, I just have marginal computer skills. Tom
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b32854c8250a

Edward Tinker · 08-24-2003, 11:43 AM

Tom, the gun is nice, the holster and magazine pouch appear new to me? They make copies of the US Test holster and I bet, that is what they are? The gun appears to be worth the price you paid, but looks reasonably honest in the photo's.

From the pictures, has the gun been reblued? In pic 10S, it almost appears there is blueing over slight pitting, how does it look in real life?

Ed

Sniper · 08-24-2003, 02:59 PM

I don't believe the gun to be reblued. The wear pattern looks pretty honest from the holster...i.e all the correct places from where it would have rubbed when it was placed there and removed. Seems like they would have blued those parts as well when and if they did the rest of the piece? Can't be sure about the holster. The patina on the copper rivets seems to have invaded the leather in such a way as is only possible with age, but then....it is in awfully good shape. I can send more pics if necessary. Tom

Edward Tinker · 08-24-2003, 05:32 PM

So Tom, I don't doubt your judgement, but this gun is several hundred off of the test pieces and has a test holster.

Test holsters are more rare than the guns, and therefor fairly valuable by themselves. Over a $1,000 I believe, so that is the concern on whether it is real?

The gun, definately what you paid for it, even reblued AE's go for close to that, so overall you did okay. Still, I definately have a reblued Arty, and it has developed wear paterns. 20 years of shooting and handeling does that too,

Ed

Ron Wood · 08-24-2003, 08:45 PM

Tom,

Thank you for the pictures. The holster is a very good quality reproduction. It was most likely made by El Paso Saddlery. They make perhaps the best reproduction, the pattern for which came from an actual original US Test Trials holster.

The Luger on the other hand is genuine and in very nice condition. The "bruise" on the right grip is caused by the flap closure stud and would indicate that the gun has been carried for an extensive time in a US Test Trials type holster. The mark is consistent with US Test Lugers that I have and have observed. I also believe that the bruise is contemporary with the rest of the Luger and has not been caused by the recent use of the repro holster.

I do not believe your Luger has been reblued, and overall condition is a bit above average for the US Test pieces I have observed, although not in the Ã¢??extra specialÃ¢?Â category. From its appearance and your description, I think that even though it does not fall into the traditional test serial number range (6100-7100), it most certainly falls into that contentious Ã¢??above the rangeÃ¢?Â area that is the subject of much debate. It may one day be accepted as a valid US Test Trials Luger.

You have done very well and have certainly received excellent value for your purchase price, perhaps even pulling off a real steal. Only time and collector community consensus will tell.

Pete Ebbink · 08-24-2003, 09:00 PM

Hello Tom,

Thanks for posting the photo album showing your very nice pistol. Congratulations on a very good buy !

Sounds like you also have a jewel of a wife, who encouraged you to buy yourself a luger for a birthday present. Not too many understanding wives around in the Membership.

My wife was very supportive during my first few acquistions and continues to be so. But I do believe she has lost track of what I have in the gun safes... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Enjoy your luger and start looking for your next piece !!!

p.s.

The "little piece below the eagle", as you described it, is called the extractor. Yours is the old model type that only acts to extract the spent case from the chamber. The new model extractor (after the 1906 models) did this and acted as a "loaded chamber" device as well and was shaped much differently. The other parts on your 1900 AE (Test) pistol that should be "strawed" are indeed so, as can be seen from your photos.

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Sniper · 08-25-2003, 08:47 AM

Many thanks to all for your time and consideration! Would it be possible to have my serial number (7555) added to the right-column list posted in the Luger Forum Gallery?
Tom

Ron Wood · 08-25-2003, 10:19 AM

Tom
Yes. I hope to get that and one other added this week.
Ron

ken d · 08-25-2003, 06:45 PM

Tom:
FYI I have serial #7554, in about the same condition, which matches your description. It came in a cowboy type holster. I have an ELPaso saddlery repro test holster but mine is left handed, as I believe the originals were.

Regards Ken D

R.David · 09-17-2003, 02:06 AM

Hello all! I have in my collection a 1900 American Eagle #7577 with NO "Germany" stamp, NO proof marks, unblued under the safety (lower position), no marking on the magazine, and the "77" on the take down bolt is on the LEFT side. The finish is very good, probably 90%, and is polished about the same as a 1906 AE in my collection. Straw is great. I do not believe the gun has been refinished. The edges of the eagle are somewhat raised and all numbers are sharp and clear. There is a slight bit of pitting on the back of the receiver and the pitts and sorrounding areas are a rust color rather than blue.I know where this gun has been for the last 15 years, but not before. Would appreciate any comments any of you may have. Aldo, what is the "Members Gallery" where the lists of numbers is, and how do I get into it? Regards, R.David

Edward Tinker · 09-17-2003, 03:08 AM

Richard, If you came to the forum via www.lugerforum.com then it is on your left of your screen.

Can you provide pictures of your Luger? Top, sides, barrel, etc?

Ed

R.David · 09-18-2003, 01:21 AM

Ed: Thanks for the info on the Member's Gallery. I found it. I will try in the next few days to take some photos and post them. R. David

08-24-2003, 08:35 AM	#22
Sniper User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have been over this piece with a 10x jewelers loop several times, and I cannot see any indication of either proofs or "Germany" stamped anywhere on it anywhere. I would be happy to send pictures to anyone interested. Just me your email address? The piece is in excellent condition, no pitting and showing only honest wear from its holster. Trigger is mostly yellowed, I think you call this "strawing" as is the little piece of steel beneath the eagle. Thanks for the help! Tom in Linden Michigan thek98sniper@aol.com __________________ TomS

08-24-2003, 11:27 AM	#23
Sniper User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have (with the aide of my very patient wife) posted pictures of the pieces. Cut and paste this in your URL and hit "go". No password required. Sorry this took so long, I just have marginal computer skills. Tom http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b32854c8250a __________________ TomS

08-24-2003, 11:43 AM	#24
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	Tom, the gun is nice, the holster and magazine pouch appear new to me? They make copies of the US Test holster and I bet, that is what they are? The gun appears to be worth the price you paid, but looks reasonably honest in the photo's. From the pictures, has the gun been reblued? In pic 10S, it almost appears there is blueing over slight pitting, how does it look in real life? Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-24-2003, 02:59 PM	#25
Sniper User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I don't believe the gun to be reblued. The wear pattern looks pretty honest from the holster...i.e all the correct places from where it would have rubbed when it was placed there and removed. Seems like they would have blued those parts as well when and if they did the rest of the piece? Can't be sure about the holster. The patina on the copper rivets seems to have invaded the leather in such a way as is only possible with age, but then....it is in awfully good shape. I can send more pics if necessary. Tom __________________ TomS

08-24-2003, 05:32 PM	#26
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	So Tom, I don't doubt your judgement, but this gun is several hundred off of the test pieces and has a test holster. Test holsters are more rare than the guns, and therefor fairly valuable by themselves. Over a $1,000 I believe, so that is the concern on whether it is real? The gun, definately what you paid for it, even reblued AE's go for close to that, so overall you did okay. Still, I definately have a reblued Arty, and it has developed wear paterns. 20 years of shooting and handeling does that too, Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-24-2003, 01:22 AM	#21
MauserLugers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philipsburg, Montana 59858 Posts: 250 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Pete, My test in the 6100-7100 range is very, very nice and is probably a strong 96% plus original conditon -- #6689, while #7735 has more grip strap wear is probably closer to 94% condition. Both are way above average in conditon for these tests, if they are test pieces? -- Bill

08-24-2003, 08:45 PM	#27
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: 7,019 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,173 Times in 1,701 Posts	Tom, Thank you for the pictures. The holster is a very good quality reproduction. It was most likely made by El Paso Saddlery. They make perhaps the best reproduction, the pattern for which came from an actual original US Test Trials holster. The Luger on the other hand is genuine and in very nice condition. The "bruise" on the right grip is caused by the flap closure stud and would indicate that the gun has been carried for an extensive time in a US Test Trials type holster. The mark is consistent with US Test Lugers that I have and have observed. I also believe that the bruise is contemporary with the rest of the Luger and has not been caused by the recent use of the repro holster. I do not believe your Luger has been reblued, and overall condition is a bit above average for the US Test pieces I have observed, although not in the Ã¢??extra specialÃ¢?Â category. From its appearance and your description, I think that even though it does not fall into the traditional test serial number range (6100-7100), it most certainly falls into that contentious Ã¢??above the rangeÃ¢?Â area that is the subject of much debate. It may one day be accepted as a valid US Test Trials Luger. You have done very well and have certainly received excellent value for your purchase price, perhaps even pulling off a real steal. Only time and collector community consensus will tell. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

08-24-2003, 09:00 PM	#28
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Hello Tom, Thanks for posting the photo album showing your very nice pistol. Congratulations on a very good buy ! Sounds like you also have a jewel of a wife, who encouraged you to buy yourself a luger for a birthday present. Not too many understanding wives around in the Membership. My wife was very supportive during my first few acquistions and continues to be so. But I do believe she has lost track of what I have in the gun safes... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Enjoy your luger and start looking for your next piece !!! p.s. The "little piece below the eagle", as you described it, is called the extractor. Yours is the old model type that only acts to extract the spent case from the chamber. The new model extractor (after the 1906 models) did this and acted as a "loaded chamber" device as well and was shaped much differently. The other parts on your 1900 AE (Test) pistol that should be "strawed" are indeed so, as can be seen from your photos. Regards, Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

08-25-2003, 08:47 AM	#29
Sniper User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks to all for your time and consideration! Would it be possible to have my serial number (7555) added to the right-column list posted in the Luger Forum Gallery? Tom __________________ TomS

08-25-2003, 10:19 AM	#30
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: 7,019 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,173 Times in 1,701 Posts	Tom Yes. I hope to get that and one other added this week. Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

08-25-2003, 06:45 PM	#31
ken d Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: louisville ky Posts: 277 Thanks: 31 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	Tom: FYI I have serial #7554, in about the same condition, which matches your description. It came in a cowboy type holster. I have an ELPaso saddlery repro test holster but mine is left handed, as I believe the originals were. Regards Ken D

09-17-2003, 02:06 AM	#32
R.David User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello all! I have in my collection a 1900 American Eagle #7577 with NO "Germany" stamp, NO proof marks, unblued under the safety (lower position), no marking on the magazine, and the "77" on the take down bolt is on the LEFT side. The finish is very good, probably 90%, and is polished about the same as a 1906 AE in my collection. Straw is great. I do not believe the gun has been refinished. The edges of the eagle are somewhat raised and all numbers are sharp and clear. There is a slight bit of pitting on the back of the receiver and the pitts and sorrounding areas are a rust color rather than blue.I know where this gun has been for the last 15 years, but not before. Would appreciate any comments any of you may have. Aldo, what is the "Members Gallery" where the lists of numbers is, and how do I get into it? Regards, R.David

09-17-2003, 03:08 AM	#33
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	Richard, If you came to the forum via www.lugerforum.com then it is on your left of your screen. Can you provide pictures of your Luger? Top, sides, barrel, etc? Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

09-18-2003, 01:21 AM	#34
R.David User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed: Thanks for the info on the Member's Gallery. I found it. I will try in the next few days to take some photos and post them. R. David