1900 swiss luger

dave_j · 07-01-2002, 03:26 AM

i recently purchased a luger that i believe to be a model 1900 dwm swiss luger, what are the distinct variations to positively identify this gun as a early 1900 swiss luger?

Herb · 07-01-2002, 02:45 PM

Dave, it should have the old style dished toggle with a toggle lock on the right side, a 4 3/4" barrel in 30 cal, the old long style frame, might have a 'P' marking on it, has a grip safety, narrow trigger with a wide trigger guard, old style long reciever, chamber has a swiss cross in a sunburst, the safe position is 'up', extractor is old type unmarked if original, grips are checkered walnut, slotted for grip safety, magazine should have a wooden base with a metal insert and unnumbered. The finish will be rust blue with the take down lever, safety, trigger, trigger lock and ejector will be strawed. If it is military the serial number should fall between 2001 and 5000 and commercial somewhere between 01 and 21250. Then there is the American Eagle Swiss marked Luger. Hope this helps.

Joe · 07-01-2002, 08:28 PM

Dave --

Herb has given you a great summary of the features to look for in your Luger. But since they say "a picture is worth a thousand words," here's a link to pictures of my 1900 Swiss:

http://www.iwaynet.net/~jwsiv/Lugers/00Swiss.htm

Hope this helps and happy collecting!

dave_j · 07-04-2002, 06:32 PM

thanks herb for the info. and joe for the pictures! i can now say without a doubt i am in possesion of an early 1900 DWM swiss luger.
i have another question (excuse the ignorance i am mostly a colt collector)i have located 6 serial #'s on the exterior of the luger, all XX.
are there any more serial numbers not showing(with more digits) or is this a VERY EARLY 1900.
i am so unfamiliar with lugers i am afraid to dismantle it for fear of damage.

Herb · 07-04-2002, 07:17 PM

Don't be afraid to take that baby apart, it would be pretty hard to hurt anything if you do it right. Go to http://www.lugerforum.com the earlier site of this forum, on the left side panel you will see a tech section and in there should be the complete instructions for taking it apart. I can't help with the inside numbering, I don't have one of them to check. Congrat's on your purchase, it a great way to start.

Joe · 07-05-2002, 10:36 PM

Dave,

While I've put my 1900 Swiss back in storage, I recall there being only two places with full serial numbers on the outside:

Full Serial Number:
Ã?Â· Bottom of Barrel
Ã?Â· Front of Frame

Last Two Digits:
Ã?Â· Sideplate
Ã?Â· Take Down Lever
Ã?Â· Magazine Release
Ã?Â· Rear Toggle Link

You may also find two digit numbers on the inside:
Ã?Â· Trigger
Ã?Â· Breech Block
Ã?Â· Grips

Later Lugers may also have serial numbers on the firing pin and hold open catch.

Also, I've seen 1900 Swiss with all three saftey levers (I've included a picture, below). If yours is an early two digit Swiss, it should have a Type I safety.

dave_j · 07-06-2002, 04:39 AM

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> thanks again herb and joe! i have since found another xx serial number bringing the total to 7!
i thnk i might be on to something BIG!
my 1900 swiss luger is in absolutely UNFIRED MINT condition!
like you said before; what a way to begin, i

might just forget about colt's if this continues.i guess i could collect both.
EXITING!

dave_j · 07-06-2002, 04:45 AM

p.s. i was also given with the luger an accessory labeled with the same tag number as the pistol a tool labeled "takedown tool for luger tag #42"

Lugerdoc · 07-06-2002, 04:07 PM

Joe & Dave, The mag release is not normally numbered on any luger, but the center toggle link should be numbered internally on your 1900 model. Tom H.

Ron Wood · 07-06-2002, 06:14 PM

Dave
Sounds like you have made quite a find and you are really on to something big! If indeed the full serial number of your Swiss is only two digits, it is very early. Herb, Joe and Tom provided you with excellent information except the very early Lugers did have the last two digits of the serial number stamped on the right side of the magazine release. There is another feature you might look for. Early Swiss also had what is called a "flat button" magazine. The button on the magazine used for loading has a very low profile and the opening in the grip was only large enough to clear this button. In a short time, this button was enlarged to make it easier to grasp and the frame was relieved to accommodate this higher button. Most early Lugers were later modified to relieve the frame for the larger button, so it is very uncommon to find an unrelieved frame.

dave_j · 07-06-2002, 08:05 PM

ron, thanks for the input! this keeps getting better and better! the frame most definitely IS NOT relieved. the backside of the magazine release does have THE serial #, and tom-there is a xx number on the center toggle that all match!

Pete Ebbink · 07-06-2002, 10:50 PM

Hello Dave,

Boy reading all this stuff about your great find is our Luger Fourm at its best !!!

If you have access to a digital camera or a friend with one, why not shoot some jpeg photos and post them here on the Forum, so you can start some major "drooling" on our end...

Just kidding,...but I think I speak for all when I say that we would love to see your jewel !!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

And you can put us all into cardiac arrest by telling us you spent only $ 1,200.00 on your great find...just kiddding...!!! It is none of our business, but we are all dying to know...! <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

p.s. Hey John D. I think you need to add another "Instant Graemlins", one of those cartoon guys with a big drool apron on...

Joe · 07-07-2002, 01:55 AM

Lugerdoc:

Now that you mention it, I believe the front toggle link and not the breech block on my 1900 Swiss was numbered internally. I stand corrected in that regard, but I am certain the right side of my magazine release IS numbered (as the pictures I provided to the forum earlier clearly indicate).

--------------------------------------------------

Ron,

Dad enjoyed talking with you the other day. You have an UNRELIEVED Swiss?? I'm "Fire Blue" with envy [img]wink.gif[/img]

dave_j · 07-07-2002, 03:50 AM

<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> thanks herb and especially JOE for the info. it was quite helpful.
pete and all i hope you see my luger in the near future!
thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's it folks!

Edmond , DCB shooting · 07-09-2002, 06:19 AM

From this thread, I did not find out: is that your FIRST LÃ?Â¼ger? ( I'm just arrived here )and did you find it in USA or Europe? <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

John Sabato · 07-09-2002, 01:33 PM

All I can say is WOW! Dave...

Congrats!

dave_j · 07-12-2002, 02:51 AM

yes edmond this was my first luger!(to own). i found it in the usa, but it was purchased in swizterland in the fifty's and brought here by an early collector.
i saw this gun about 10 years ago for about thirty seconds; along with lot's of others for the same half a minute a piece.
i told the man that if he ever considered selling the guns to please contact me first.
he gave me his promise that he would, and ten years later he followed through!
John Sabato, thanks for the nice comment; i feel the same way-as you all can imagine.

John Sabato · 07-12-2002, 11:55 AM

Dave, even if you don't currently have a digital camera, a flatbed scanner makes a reasonable substitute..

Just lay the pistol on the glass and cover it with a nice white cloth...

I know I am not the only one who can't wait to see it [img]smile.gif[/img]

dave_j · 07-13-2002, 02:30 AM

hello, i have a scanner and a digital camera.
not yet willing to do that yet.
hope to show this luger in the near future!

07-01-2002, 03:26 AM	#1
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	1900 swiss luger i recently purchased a luger that i believe to be a model 1900 dwm swiss luger, what are the distinct variations to positively identify this gun as a early 1900 swiss luger?

07-01-2002, 02:45 PM	#2
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Dave, it should have the old style dished toggle with a toggle lock on the right side, a 4 3/4" barrel in 30 cal, the old long style frame, might have a 'P' marking on it, has a grip safety, narrow trigger with a wide trigger guard, old style long reciever, chamber has a swiss cross in a sunburst, the safe position is 'up', extractor is old type unmarked if original, grips are checkered walnut, slotted for grip safety, magazine should have a wooden base with a metal insert and unnumbered. The finish will be rust blue with the take down lever, safety, trigger, trigger lock and ejector will be strawed. If it is military the serial number should fall between 2001 and 5000 and commercial somewhere between 01 and 21250. Then there is the American Eagle Swiss marked Luger. Hope this helps. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

07-04-2002, 07:17 PM	#5
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Don't be afraid to take that baby apart, it would be pretty hard to hurt anything if you do it right. Go to http://www.lugerforum.com the earlier site of this forum, on the left side panel you will see a tech section and in there should be the complete instructions for taking it apart. I can't help with the inside numbering, I don't have one of them to check. Congrat's on your purchase, it a great way to start. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

07-06-2002, 04:07 PM	#9
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Joe & Dave, The mag release is not normally numbered on any luger, but the center toggle link should be numbered internally on your 1900 model. Tom H. __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

07-06-2002, 06:14 PM	#10
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: 7,020 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,174 Times in 1,701 Posts	Dave Sounds like you have made quite a find and you are really on to something big! If indeed the full serial number of your Swiss is only two digits, it is very early. Herb, Joe and Tom provided you with excellent information except the very early Lugers did have the last two digits of the serial number stamped on the right side of the magazine release. There is another feature you might look for. Early Swiss also had what is called a "flat button" magazine. The button on the magazine used for loading has a very low profile and the opening in the grip was only large enough to clear this button. In a short time, this button was enlarged to make it easier to grasp and the frame was relieved to accommodate this higher button. Most early Lugers were later modified to relieve the frame for the larger button, so it is very uncommon to find an unrelieved frame. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-01-2002, 08:28 PM	#3
Joe User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dave -- Herb has given you a great summary of the features to look for in your Luger. But since they say "a picture is worth a thousand words," here's a link to pictures of my 1900 Swiss: http://www.iwaynet.net/~jwsiv/Lugers/00Swiss.htm Hope this helps and happy collecting!

07-04-2002, 06:32 PM	#4
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	thanks herb for the info. and joe for the pictures! i can now say without a doubt i am in possesion of an early 1900 DWM swiss luger. i have another question (excuse the ignorance i am mostly a colt collector)i have located 6 serial #'s on the exterior of the luger, all XX. are there any more serial numbers not showing(with more digits) or is this a VERY EARLY 1900. i am so unfamiliar with lugers i am afraid to dismantle it for fear of damage.

07-05-2002, 10:36 PM	#6
Joe User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dave, While I've put my 1900 Swiss back in storage, I recall there being only two places with full serial numbers on the outside: Full Serial Number: Ã?Â· Bottom of Barrel Ã?Â· Front of Frame Last Two Digits: Ã?Â· Sideplate Ã?Â· Take Down Lever Ã?Â· Magazine Release Ã?Â· Rear Toggle Link You may also find two digit numbers on the inside: Ã?Â· Trigger Ã?Â· Breech Block Ã?Â· Grips Later Lugers may also have serial numbers on the firing pin and hold open catch. Also, I've seen 1900 Swiss with all three saftey levers (I've included a picture, below). If yours is an early two digit Swiss, it should have a Type I safety.

07-06-2002, 04:39 AM	#7
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> thanks again herb and joe! i have since found another xx serial number bringing the total to 7! i thnk i might be on to something BIG! my 1900 swiss luger is in absolutely UNFIRED MINT condition! like you said before; what a way to begin, i might just forget about colt's if this continues.i guess i could collect both. EXITING!

07-06-2002, 04:45 AM	#8
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	p.s. i was also given with the luger an accessory labeled with the same tag number as the pistol a tool labeled "takedown tool for luger tag #42"

07-06-2002, 08:05 PM	#11
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	ron, thanks for the input! this keeps getting better and better! the frame most definitely IS NOT relieved. the backside of the magazine release does have THE serial #, and tom-there is a xx number on the center toggle that all match!

07-06-2002, 10:50 PM	#12
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Hello Dave, Boy reading all this stuff about your great find is our Luger Fourm at its best !!! If you have access to a digital camera or a friend with one, why not shoot some jpeg photos and post them here on the Forum, so you can start some major "drooling" on our end... Just kidding,...but I think I speak for all when I say that we would love to see your jewel !!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> And you can put us all into cardiac arrest by telling us you spent only $ 1,200.00 on your great find...just kiddding...!!! It is none of our business, but we are all dying to know...! <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" /> p.s. Hey John D. I think you need to add another "Instant Graemlins", one of those cartoon guys with a big drool apron on...

07-07-2002, 01:55 AM	#13
Joe User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lugerdoc: Now that you mention it, I believe the front toggle link and not the breech block on my 1900 Swiss was numbered internally. I stand corrected in that regard, but I am certain the right side of my magazine release IS numbered (as the pictures I provided to the forum earlier clearly indicate). -------------------------------------------------- Ron, Dad enjoyed talking with you the other day. You have an UNRELIEVED Swiss?? I'm "Fire Blue" with envy [img]wink.gif[/img]

07-07-2002, 03:50 AM	#14
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> thanks herb and especially JOE for the info. it was quite helpful. pete and all i hope you see my luger in the near future! thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat's it folks!

07-09-2002, 06:19 AM	#15
Edmond , DCB shooting User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: FRANCE Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	From this thread, I did not find out: is that your FIRST LÃ?Â¼ger? ( I'm just arrived here )and did you find it in USA or Europe? <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> __________________ Shoot'in by DCB

07-09-2002, 01:33 PM	#16
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	All I can say is WOW! Dave... Congrats! __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

07-12-2002, 02:51 AM	#17
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	yes edmond this was my first luger!(to own). i found it in the usa, but it was purchased in swizterland in the fifty's and brought here by an early collector. i saw this gun about 10 years ago for about thirty seconds; along with lot's of others for the same half a minute a piece. i told the man that if he ever considered selling the guns to please contact me first. he gave me his promise that he would, and ten years later he followed through! John Sabato, thanks for the nice comment; i feel the same way-as you all can imagine.

07-12-2002, 11:55 AM	#18
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	Dave, even if you don't currently have a digital camera, a flatbed scanner makes a reasonable substitute.. Just lay the pistol on the glass and cover it with a nice white cloth... I know I am not the only one who can't wait to see it [img]smile.gif[/img] __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

07-13-2002, 02:30 AM	#19
dave_j User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	hello, i have a scanner and a digital camera. not yet willing to do that yet. hope to show this luger in the near future!