1900 AE + Mauser = Vopo , the ultimate mongrel?

DonVoigt · 04-13-2018, 10:45 PM

I noticed this typical Vopo luger online, and on closer inspection found it to have an American Eagle receiver- well that is/was just too strange/unusual/Cool to pass up!

No one else bid, so "here we go again"!

It arrived today, and sure enough a genuine early AE 1900 receiver, with a nice strong American eagle! Numbered 8377 on the bottom of the receiver- dates it to about 1901-2 or so.

I wish I knew how the AE receiver came to be in the possession of the East Germans after WWII; and what "they" though about as it processed through re-work.

All I can say for sure is that the EG armorers knew what to do, the old long receiver has been faced off and is now a "short" receiver, the 1900 type extractor cut has been modified to accept an also slightly modified P 08 extractor.

In addition the pistol received a Mauser frame, 2234 f, with "X" applied, the fluted striker(firing pin) has an electro penciled(EP) cross out and new EP numbers added to the toggle axle.

The rear toggle and middle link, and sear bar are of EG make; with the characteristic EG knurling pattern or lack of on the knobs. The breech block has an imperial proof. The sear bar has a slightly different shape at the front and is less well finished.

The like new barrel is dated 9(Sept) 53(1953) and the complete pistol has the EG crown N proof on the bottom of the barrel(along with importers marking) and on the left receiver, which also received the 2234 number. The magazine is # 2234. Grips are dark brown/black with the "Vopo" bullseye.

Pistol was refinished in the typical dark black dip finish of the EG reworks. Must have been put into storage until the '90s- when it and thousands of others were sold to the US marked. Import marking on the bottom of the barrel is :
"RTB Corp - Miami - FL 9mm"

One could argue this thread does not belong in "early lugers"; it could be in WWII, or Post WWII. But I thought more might see it here.

DavidJayUden · 04-13-2018, 11:52 PM

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
dju

Lugerdoc · 04-14-2018, 12:38 PM

More likely, your AE receiver is from a short frame M1906 9mm luger. TH

Edward Tinker · 04-14-2018, 01:12 PM

I wish it had started life as an AE, then received a sear safety, but we can't have everything!

Very nice Don

DonVoigt · 04-14-2018, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lugerdoc

More likely, your AE receiver is from a short frame M1906 9mm luger. TH

No,
it has the full serial on the bottom of the chamber, 8377; started life as a long receiver.

alanint · 04-16-2018, 11:27 AM

RTB used to bring crate loads of newly imported Lugers and P38s to the Miami Gun show, back in the day. I had the opportunity to look at dozens over the years and cherry pick the 2-3 I kept. I somehow missed this one!

Wilhelm · 04-17-2018, 08:42 PM

I saw that on GB and thought it was neat. I'm glad it went to a good home!

Sergio Natali · 04-21-2018, 02:36 AM

Interesting gun.
Thanks for sharing.

04-13-2018, 10:45 PM	#1
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	1900 AE + Mauser = Vopo , the ultimate mongrel? I noticed this typical Vopo luger online, and on closer inspection found it to have an American Eagle receiver- well that is/was just too strange/unusual/Cool to pass up! No one else bid, so "here we go again"! It arrived today, and sure enough a genuine early AE 1900 receiver, with a nice strong American eagle! Numbered 8377 on the bottom of the receiver- dates it to about 1901-2 or so. I wish I knew how the AE receiver came to be in the possession of the East Germans after WWII; and what "they" though about as it processed through re-work. All I can say for sure is that the EG armorers knew what to do, the old long receiver has been faced off and is now a "short" receiver, the 1900 type extractor cut has been modified to accept an also slightly modified P 08 extractor. In addition the pistol received a Mauser frame, 2234 f, with "X" applied, the fluted striker(firing pin) has an electro penciled(EP) cross out and new EP numbers added to the toggle axle. The rear toggle and middle link, and sear bar are of EG make; with the characteristic EG knurling pattern or lack of on the knobs. The breech block has an imperial proof. The sear bar has a slightly different shape at the front and is less well finished. The like new barrel is dated 9(Sept) 53(1953) and the complete pistol has the EG crown N proof on the bottom of the barrel(along with importers marking) and on the left receiver, which also received the 2234 number. The magazine is # 2234. Grips are dark brown/black with the "Vopo" bullseye. Pistol was refinished in the typical dark black dip finish of the EG reworks. Must have been put into storage until the '90s- when it and thousands of others were sold to the US marked. Import marking on the bottom of the barrel is : "RTB Corp - Miami - FL 9mm" One could argue this thread does not belong in "early lugers"; it could be in WWII, or Post WWII. But I thought more might see it here. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

04-14-2018, 12:38 PM	#3
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	More likely, your AE receiver is from a short frame M1906 9mm luger. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

04-17-2018, 08:42 PM	#7
Wilhelm User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 340 Thanks: 43 Thanked 107 Times in 51 Posts	I saw that on GB and thought it was neat. I'm glad it went to a good home! __________________ I promise to be nice and play well with others

04-21-2018, 02:36 AM	#8
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Interesting gun. Thanks for sharing. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

04-13-2018, 11:52 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Interesting. Thanks for sharing! dju

04-14-2018, 01:12 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	I wish it had started life as an AE, then received a sear safety, but we can't have everything! Very nice Don

04-16-2018, 11:27 AM	#6
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	RTB used to bring crate loads of newly imported Lugers and P38s to the Miami Gun show, back in the day. I had the opportunity to look at dozens over the years and cherry pick the 2-3 I kept. I somehow missed this one!