Swiss DWM 1900

[wildoats]

Hi Folks,
I have a couple questions for the experts; I’m trying to correctly identify a 1900 Luger I purchased some 20 odd years ago. Originally I believed it to be a Swiss DWM 1900 commercial model, serial No. 592. Then I got it in my head it must be a Swiss Military 1900 model, but now I’m back thinking it must be commercial because of the low serial no.? I’m sure one of you can set me straight as to which it is, military or commercial. Also I’m trying to determine if the frame is relieved for the magazine or not, maybe someone can tell me what I’m looking for and where to look? Finally stamped on the right side of the frame in the center behind the magazine under the grips letters & numbers KD13466, I’ve not read anywhere what this could be or what it might mean. Any insight to this stamping? All numbers are matching, including the grips. Magazine is not numbered. Swiss cross in the sunburst. I am thinking condition is between 96% and 98%, the only wear to bluing I see is front and rear straps and the front edge of the muzzle where it was probably holstered.

thanks,
Mark

Photos in my photobucket;

[Edward Tinker]

You should have pictures of the serial number.

Dwight will be interested in this.

From what he has told me and I remember; the Swiss bought commericial 1900's for their military, these were straight out of intial 1900 production. They later bought them in a swiss military range (a serial range just for them).

My gut feeling is that this is a low serial number commercial for Swiss military.

Its amazing condition always makes me feel suspect of its orginality (no offense and not saying it is restored or anything).


Welcome to the forum!


Ed

[Ron Wood]

Swiss military serial numbers started at #1. Need to see clear photos of the left side of the receiver and bottom of the barrel to determine if this gun is military or commercial.

The magazine appears to be of the early flat button type but we would need to see the other side of the magazine to tell for sure. The frame has been relieved for the later type of magazine.

The KD13466 is very interesting. I have never seen anything like it before.

Beautiful gun.

[Edward Tinker]

Also, any proofing on the gun, i.e. BUG proofed etc



Ed

[John Sabato]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING condition...

[Lugerdoc]

Mark, Check the left side of your receiver for a cross over an inspector's letter. I will be there, if it was military accepted. I suspect the the number under your right grip, indicates a repair, most likely a new recoil spring installed. The Swiss had a regular restoration program in effect for their military lugers, even those owned privately by officers, of redoing the finish when they showed any wear. That's why most Swiss luger are in such exc condition. TH

[Ron Wood]

Tom,
A piece as early as this one might have only a cross on the receiver without the inspectors letter if it is a military. If commercial, it will have BUG proofs.

[wildoats]

Thank you all for your input! Obviously I need to sharpen my camera skills and get some better photos. I'll work on that in the next day or two and try to post better photos. I don't see any proof markings other than the small swiss cross, no letters or numbers other than the serial's. I recall reading one factory had large numbering and another had small numbering, this serial No. is the smaller lettering. More to come!

thanks again,
Mark

[Edward Tinker]

1900's were ONLY made by DWM, so no difference in the numbers...

[MFC]

The first production Luger DWM made was a Swiss military contract, serial#1. Commercial production (with BUG proofs) started sometime later.

[drbuster]

Checking the photobucket link, there are obvious Geneva Crosses stamped on the back of the frame and left receiver, pegging this fine 1900 Swiss as "military"!

[Ron Wood]

Tom and Doc are correct, it is positively military. It is a superlative gun with excellent early features, i.e. Type I flat thumb safety and genuine flat button magazine. The frame has been relieved for the later type magazine, but this is of small consequence. The magazine alone would have the value of a good shooter Luger. It is a delight to see such a noteworthy example. Thank you for sharing.

[wildoats]

Hi Fella's,
I've posted new / different photos of my Luger, hopefully they will show better detail. Again
I find my camera skills are lacking. ;o(
Ron, you tell me the frame has been relieved for the later type of magazine, I'm not sure what
to look for to see this. Can you elaborate please, what am I looking for?

thanks,
Mark

[alanint]

In Ron's great photo of two side by side magazine wells posted above, look at the right hand gun at about 10 oclock in the mag well opening. You will see a cut there that is not present in the left hand gun's mag well.

This cut allowed a larger magazine button to slide into the gun.

[wildoats]

Excellent, thank you "alanint" for the explanation. I've learned something new today!

Mark