New Test Trials serial number

Ron Wood · 08-22-2020, 02:25 PM

Jim (jvm) posted a thread about a “+” marked magazine, http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=40530 , in which he stated “The mag is from an American Eagle 1900 possibly a trials gun”. He identified the Luger as #6248. This was exciting information for me as it is a heretofore unreported (to me) serial number that falls in the range for the U.S. Test Trial series. Subsequently he was kind enough to send me some photos of his Luger. I am completely comfortable to add his Luger to my Test Trials data base. To my eye, it is an unaltered authentic example and in nice condition.

The litmus test for model 1900 American Eagle Lugers that actually participated in the Test Trials of 1901 are the 780 pieces reported by serial number that were purchased at public auction by Francis Bannerman as surplus in 1905, plus 5 additional examples handwritten in Ord. Dept memo, Dec. 16, 1901 (and also reported by 2nd Lt. Randall B. Palmer in his test report). Unfortunately, the gun does not fall in either one of those ranges. But since it falls well within the 6100-7100 serial number range generally thought to be the probable range of the Test Lugers, and because number 6282 that was in the Bannerman purchase (and also recorded in an individual test/repair report) is very close to Jim’s gun, the probability is very high that it was indeed involved in the Test Trials.

Doubs · 08-22-2020, 02:43 PM

What a find. It appears to be in great condition too. Outstanding!!

jvm · 09-20-2020, 08:33 PM

Ron thanks for posting pics for me

It may have been unwise, but I fired it with Winchester western factory ammo
It functioned fine, shot to point of aim , and shot a nice group.

I have a commercial 1900 that I will shoot instead
I will take care of them, as they are historical pieces

Heinz · 09-21-2020, 04:45 PM

JVM, the German smiths who made that pistol and the GI who kept it in such good shape thank you for letting it live again. Now, just put the thought of shooting it again out of your mind and do not ever think it again.

jvm · 09-23-2020, 11:43 PM

I agree on retiring it
I have another 1900 I occasionally take to the range
Looking for a reproduction holsjte

08-22-2020, 02:25 PM	#1
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: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	New Test Trials serial number Jim (jvm) posted a thread about a “+” marked magazine, http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=40530 , in which he stated “The mag is from an American Eagle 1900 possibly a trials gun”. He identified the Luger as #6248. This was exciting information for me as it is a heretofore unreported (to me) serial number that falls in the range for the U.S. Test Trial series. Subsequently he was kind enough to send me some photos of his Luger. I am completely comfortable to add his Luger to my Test Trials data base. To my eye, it is an unaltered authentic example and in nice condition. The litmus test for model 1900 American Eagle Lugers that actually participated in the Test Trials of 1901 are the 780 pieces reported by serial number that were purchased at public auction by Francis Bannerman as surplus in 1905, plus 5 additional examples handwritten in Ord. Dept memo, Dec. 16, 1901 (and also reported by 2nd Lt. Randall B. Palmer in his test report). Unfortunately, the gun does not fall in either one of those ranges. But since it falls well within the 6100-7100 serial number range generally thought to be the probable range of the Test Lugers, and because number 6282 that was in the Bannerman purchase (and also recorded in an individual test/repair report) is very close to Jim’s gun, the probability is very high that it was indeed involved in the Test Trials. Attached Thumbnails __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction Last edited by Ron Wood; 08-22-2020 at 03:39 PM.

08-22-2020, 02:43 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	What a find. It appears to be in great condition too. Outstanding!!

09-20-2020, 08:33 PM	#3
jvm User Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 34 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Ron thanks for posting pics for me It may have been unwise, but I fired it with Winchester western factory ammo It functioned fine, shot to point of aim , and shot a nice group. I have a commercial 1900 that I will shoot instead I will take care of them, as they are historical pieces

09-21-2020, 04:45 PM	#4
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	JVM, the German smiths who made that pistol and the GI who kept it in such good shape thank you for letting it live again. Now, just put the thought of shooting it again out of your mind and do not ever think it again.

09-23-2020, 11:43 PM	#5
jvm User Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 34 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	I agree on retiring it I have another 1900 I occasionally take to the range Looking for a reproduction holsjte