Luger

02-08-2001, 02:44 PM

We inherited a luger from my grandfather some years past and didn't really think anything of it until we saw the same luger on the history channel. It has no date stamp but has a stamp of a fairly large American eagle. I believe it's one of the block of guns Luger sent to United States for testing purposes in the hopes that we would purchase the gun. Apparently the military didn't like the caliber and opted for something else. After reading more on it, it does seem like this is the case. Does anyone have any more information or know where I can get it?

Appreciated much,

Scott

scott@jaspin.com

Frank · 02-08-2001, 02:59 PM

If you are looking for some nice pictures, try Lugers at Random, by Charlie Kenyon. If you are looking for the story try The Luger Pistol, by Fred Datig. If you would supply the serial number and perhaps a photo, someone on the Forum would supply you some information. Good Luck!!

John D. · 02-08-2001, 03:33 PM

First - Welcome to the Board...!!!

Second, there are a number of things that could help determine exactly what you have (if that's what you'd like)...

First - a picture or detail pictures would be really terrific! Also, there were a number of various types/calibers imported into the USA - yes, for the Military Trials as well as those imported with the Eagle stamped on the chamber for commercial sales. From your brief description above - it's tough to know which yours would be.. Finally - a serial number and description of the markings and/or proof stamps would be more then helpful as well...

Frank also points to some great reference materials as well, so it would be interesting to know what you learn.. If this crew can assist in any way - just feel free to ask!!

02-08-2001, 04:00 PM

Thanks for your help . I believe this is the serial number : 15-124.

John D. · 02-08-2001, 04:42 PM

I'll try to find that tonight (contrary to popular belief on this Board - I don't lug my Luger book library into the office evryday. HOWEVER, I am convinced that SOME FOLKS DO!!!

On another note - does yours have what are called "dished toggles" - in other words - the ears tht you grab to **** the weapon - are they flat and checkered, or are they "dished" (are not flat - sort of concave?)?

Frank · 02-08-2001, 04:51 PM

The serial number is on the front frame just below the barrel. I will go on the assumption that the number is 15124. If the main toggle is dished like John D. describes, then you have a 1900 American eagle. It should use a 7.65mm (30 Luger Cartridge) and it should have a 4 3/4 inch long barrel. If these assumptions are not correct, I need more information.

RET · 02-09-2001, 02:43 PM

Welcome to the board!

You might click on the "Technical Information" link and then the "Identification Sheets" link and then download the ID sheet (or click here). This might help you quickly sort out what you have even if you have gotten other references already.

Best regards,

Bob

02-10-2001, 07:37 AM

Scott, Your 15xxx range American Eagle luger, does appear to be a M1900, which was the type tested by the US Calvery in 1903, but most of these were in the 6099 to 7098 range with a few (up to 100) fill ins in the 7xxx range. If your desire the full details of these test, I sell Michael Reese's exc book "1900 Luger US test trials" for $15 postpaid. He published all the know reports on these test available from the National Archives after a lot of research.

02-08-2001, 02:44 PM	#1
Scott Guest Posts: n/a	Luger We inherited a luger from my grandfather some years past and didn't really think anything of it until we saw the same luger on the history channel. It has no date stamp but has a stamp of a fairly large American eagle. I believe it's one of the block of guns Luger sent to United States for testing purposes in the hopes that we would purchase the gun. Apparently the military didn't like the caliber and opted for something else. After reading more on it, it does seem like this is the case. Does anyone have any more information or know where I can get it? Appreciated much, Scott scott@jaspin.com

02-08-2001, 02:59 PM	#2
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Scott, there are several references If you are looking for some nice pictures, try Lugers at Random, by Charlie Kenyon. If you are looking for the story try The Luger Pistol, by Fred Datig. If you would supply the serial number and perhaps a photo, someone on the Forum would supply you some information. Good Luck!!

02-08-2001, 03:33 PM	#3
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 471 Thanked 513 Times in 127 Posts	Hi Scott... First - Welcome to the Board...!!! Second, there are a number of things that could help determine exactly what you have (if that's what you'd like)... First - a picture or detail pictures would be really terrific! Also, there were a number of various types/calibers imported into the USA - yes, for the Military Trials as well as those imported with the Eagle stamped on the chamber for commercial sales. From your brief description above - it's tough to know which yours would be.. Finally - a serial number and description of the markings and/or proof stamps would be more then helpful as well... Frank also points to some great reference materials as well, so it would be interesting to know what you learn.. If this crew can assist in any way - just feel free to ask!!

02-08-2001, 04:00 PM	#4
Scott Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Hi Scott... Thanks for your help . I believe this is the serial number : 15-124.

02-08-2001, 04:42 PM	#5
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 471 Thanked 513 Times in 127 Posts	Thanks Scott.. I'll try to find that tonight (contrary to popular belief on this Board - I don't lug my Luger book library into the office evryday. HOWEVER, I am convinced that SOME FOLKS DO!!! On another note - does yours have what are called "dished toggles" - in other words - the ears tht you grab to **** the weapon - are they flat and checkered, or are they "dished" (are not flat - sort of concave?)?

02-08-2001, 04:51 PM	#6
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Scott, see if this makes sense !! The serial number is on the front frame just below the barrel. I will go on the assumption that the number is 15124. If the main toggle is dished like John D. describes, then you have a 1900 American eagle. It should use a 7.65mm (30 Luger Cartridge) and it should have a 4 3/4 inch long barrel. If these assumptions are not correct, I need more information.

02-09-2001, 02:43 PM	#7
RET User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 56 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello Scott Welcome to the board! You might click on the "Technical Information" link and then the "Identification Sheets" link and then download the ID sheet (or click here). This might help you quickly sort out what you have even if you have gotten other references already. Best regards, Bob

02-10-2001, 07:37 AM	#8
tom heller Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Luger Scott, Your 15xxx range American Eagle luger, does appear to be a M1900, which was the type tested by the US Calvery in 1903, but most of these were in the 6099 to 7098 range with a few (up to 100) fill ins in the 7xxx range. If your desire the full details of these test, I sell Michael Reese's exc book "1900 Luger US test trials" for $15 postpaid. He published all the know reports on these test available from the National Archives after a lot of research.