DWM Swiss Contract Model 1900 .30 Luger Military Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3325
LSB#: 230411JM004
Make: DWM
Model: 1900 Swiss Military Contract
Serial Number: 4345
Year of Manufacture: 1901-1903
Caliber: 7.65mm Luger (.30 Luger)
Action Type: Toggle Action Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine.
Markings: The front toggle is marked with a script “DWM” and the top of the chamber is marked with a Swiss cross in a sunburst pattern. The back of the rear toggle is marked “345”, the left of the bolt, the bottom of the barrel extension’s indexing stud, the bottom of the side plate, the left side of the trigger and the left side of the grip safety are marked “45”. There is no marking on the takedown lever. The front of the frame under the barrel and the underside of the barrel are marked “4345”. The left side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked with a Swiss cross (proof mark) and a “Cross / V” inside a rectangle (These marks are as shown on line 2, page 234 of “Luger Variations” by Harry Jones for a 1900 Swiss Luger). The inside of the left grip is marked “345” and “*”. The inside of the right grip is marked “33” or “38” and with another small mark we don’t recognize.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base integral to the barrel at the muzzle-end. The rear sight is a fixed “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle-link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The right panel has some nicks and scratches. The left panel has only light handling marks. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as partially not original to the gun (the right panel is a replacement).
Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some scattered very minor surface oxidation, mostly in the grip areas which show minor handling wear. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has dished toggle knobs with lock, a grip safety and a manual safety. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine. The magazine has a wood baseplate with metal disks on each side of the grasping knob.
Our Assessment: The Luger (Pistole Parabellum or P-08) is perhaps the most aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing of all autoloading centerfire pistols. Georg Luger developed his famous pistol in 1898-1899 (starting with the Borchardt/Luger transitional pistol). The Luger is, essentially, a much improved Borchardt type pistol, which was itself based on the toggle action concept used by Sir Hiram Maxim in the world’s first practical machine gun. While the pistol is perhaps most associated with Germany, for better or worse, it was actually first adopted by the Swiss military in 1900.
This is a great example of a Swiss 1900 Luger pistol. With matching serialized parts apart from one grip panel, a great bore, and strong mechanics, it is a very high condition piece which will add to even advanced collections. It has interesting early Luger features such as a wide trigger, grip safety, spring-lock on its dished toggle knobs, and a bright silhouette of the safety lever which can be seen to visually show that the safety is engaged. This is a wonderful piece for collectors of Lugers in general and Swiss small arms as well. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
