DWM Model 1906 7.65MM American Eagle Luger, Matching S/N’s, C&R
LSB#: 140604NW36
Make: DWM
Model: 1906 American Eagle
Serial Number: 31821
Year of Manufacture: circa 1906
Caliber: 7.65mm Luger (.30 Luger)
Action Type: Toggle Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the chamber is marked with the American Eagle. The front of the frame is marked “31821 / Germany”. The underside of the barrel is marked with an illegible proof and “31821”. The top of the forward toggle is marked “DWM” in script. The back of the rear toggle, the underside of the takedown lever, the underside of the left side plate at the trigger and the left side of the grip frame are marked “21”. The underside of the left grip panel is marked “21” and “L” while the underside of the right grip panel is marked “21” once and “V” twice.
Barrel Length: 4 ¾”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sight fixed to the top of the rear toggle. The front sight is a white beaded blade dovetailed into the band at the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut that show heavy oil staining. The checkering shows light to moderate wear with multiple mars in both grips. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: The pistol is blued with the safety, ejector, extractor, toggle lock, trigger and takedown lever having a yellow straw color.
Finish Originality: This finish appears to be original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its blued finish. There is thinning on the front edges of the barrel, frame, left side plate, receiver and grip safety. The front strap and backstrap also show thinning with light handling marks. The backstrap and safety show light surface frosting. The grip screw heads are sharp but show marks of a screwdriver. The checkering/serrations on the safety, takedown lever, and magazine release are sharp, but show thinning on the tips. The serrations on the right toggle knob show light wear. The markings are clear and the American Eagle is very sharp. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one period correct magazine with a wooden base. The magazine has a nickel finish which has been polished off but otherwise appears almost as new. Even the checkering on the thumb slider on the side of the magazine is sharp and the wooden bottom piece is unmarked. The magazine is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a great example of a DWM Model 1906 commercial “American Eagle” Luger. This model was manufactured expressly for sale in the United States. These early commercial Lugers are extremely well manufactured and exhibit excellent fit and finish with beautiful rust bluing and straw colored small parts. The chamber area has the distinctive “American Eagle” crest with the DWM logo on the toggle. The front of the frame is marked “Germany”, indicating the pistol was made for export outside of Europe. The numbered parts (including the grip panels) have matching numbers. The front sight is a period American white bead. This pistol still has about 92% of its original finish and is in Fine to Excellent condition. It shows thinning on its edges, a few light marks and spots of frosting on the backstrap. This pistol is somewhat rare – there were only about 6000 to 8000 of this model made. If you are a Luger collector, you absolutely must have one of these and you probably aren’t going to find one in better condition than this one.
