Luger Offering

[rj391]

I've been offered a selction of Lugers from the estate of a family friend. I'll preface this by saying I know very little about these handguns and am looking for some professional guidance. I'll have pictures soon but I am told they are as follows: 1917 Erfurt DWM, 1920 Commercial (in .30 caliber) and a 1900 American Eagle (I have seen this one and it has an American Eagle on the top strap??) Any thoughts and help would be greatly appreciated as always.

[herrgeezer]

Hello rj391,

Have a look at this forum. These guys are a very knowledgable group.

http://luger.gunboards.com/

As I understand it, the "American Eagle" Luger was produced on spec for the United States Army consideration prior to choosing the Colt M1911A1.

Good luck.

[GWA]

While the US Army did buy and test approximately 1000 model 1900 Parabellums, there were many thousands also sold into the US Commercial market that also bear the Great Seal of the U.S. over the chamber.
The Army Test guns should fall roughly within the serial number range 6000 through 7000. Other distinguishing aspects of the Test guns are a lack of proof marks, lack of "GERMANY" stamping and the take down lever should be numbered on the end of the axel that protrudes through the frame on the right side of the pistol. The Test guns, while usually well worn, do command a premium over the commercial guns.

1917 Erfurts are typically poorly finished and of modest value as are the .30 calibre 1920 models unless the latter is marked "SAFE" and "LOADED" rather than "GESICHERT" and "GELADEN". Final value on all depends on condition and originality.

[Alan Smith]

GWA hit the nail on the head re: the so-called "American Eagle" Luger pistols. As a marketing tool, the manufacturer placed the Great Seal of the United States on a large number of such pistols intended for the U.S. market. Thus, by no means are all American Eagle Lugers part of the U.S. test lot. In fact, only a fraction of the Old Model (i.e. "1900 Model" - in collector terminology) Lugers w/ the "American Eagle" on their chambers were for the U.S. test trials.

I've got one of the U.S. test trial guns (#6902) and, like GWA says, it is pretty well worn. In fact, if not for its association with the U.S. test trials, the gun really would not have much collector appeal due to its worn and/or turning brown finish.

Please post some photos when you get a chance.

[rj391]

Kind of a mix of different models but if anything stands out, please let me know.

[rj391]

Eagle

[rj391]

Erfurt

[rj391]

Last

[Gene]

Is the American Eagle .30 or 9mm?

[Douglas Jr.]

Gene,

The last picture shows the American Eagle (check the toggle "ears"). It is in .30 Luger (look at the barrel). It is a Model 1900.

In my opinion, the Erfurt looks refinished because of the its "redish" tone.

Douglas

[Gene]

I looked at the barrel but the pic was too dark to make out how tapered it was

[helmetbuyers]

nice

[Douglas Jr.]

I looked at the barrel but the pic was too dark to make out how tapered it was

Yep, they are a bit dark. But look at the front sight and barrel lenght: too long to be a 4 inches 9mm.

Douglas

[Alan Smith]

Doug,

Any chance you could supply the full serial number of the Model 1900 American Eagle pistol? Also, I would be interested in knowing whether the country-of-origin "GERMANY" marking appears below the serial number on the frame, as well as a description of where the last two digits of the serial number are found on the takedown lever.

Thanks,

Alan

[Douglas Jr.]

Alan,

I would like to but the pistol is not mine!
David is the one who's asking about the guns. I'm interested on that too.

Wishes,

Douglas