Scarce DWM Swiss Commercial Model 1900 .30 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525
WOA#: WY240306MK016
Make: DWM
Model: 1900 Swiss Commercial
Serial Number: 1066
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, bottom of the front toggle, 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 “66”. There is no marking on the takedown lever. The front of the frame under the barrel and the underside of the barrel are marked “1066”. 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).
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 with smooth borders. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
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 98% of its current metal finish. The finish is strong throughout. The balance is in minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition as restored.
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, the more scarce Commercial variation. While the Swiss military purchased 3,000 pistols, there were only about 2,000 sold to the Swiss commercially. With matching serialized parts, a great bore, and strong mechanics, it has been professionally restored with well-preserved markings. 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
