Swiss Waffenfabrik Bern 1900/06 W+F 06/24 7.65mm .30 Luger Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1695
LSB#: 210928JM08
Make: Waffenfabrik Bern
Model: 1900/06 W+F (frequently referred to by collectors as the 06/24), 1st Model
Serial Number: 27024
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: 7.65x21mm Parabellum
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine Fed
Markings: The front of the frame is marked “27024”, the right of the frame is marked with a Swiss cross. The bottom of the barrel extension on the locking lug is marked “024”, this marking appears to have been applied over other previous markings. The left of the barrel extension is marked “+ / M”, the right is marked with a Swiss cross. The left of the barrel is marked with a Swiss cross, the bottom is marked “27024. The bottom of the sideplate is marked “24”, the left of the trigger is marked “2 / 4”, the grip safety is marked “24”. The left of the bolt is marked “024” and with a Swiss cross. The top of the front toggle is marked with a Swiss cross over “WAFFENFABRIK / BERN”, the bottom is marked “W Co.” and “24 / 024”. The back of the rear toggle is marked “64”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “24”
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels with smooth borders on the front and rear. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light nicks and scuffs. There are a few spots of verdigris in the well defined checkering. There are no chips or cracks. The grips have minor play to the frame, rotating slightly around the grip screws but with almost no play away from the sides of the frame. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Strawed
Finish Originality: Refinished. The rear toggle link is not original to the pistol and some other parts may have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, most notable on the left of the barrel toward the front and the bottom of the front and back straps. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, most notable in the scuffing at the bottom of the grip frame. There are punch-marks under the finish on the right of the frame at the trigger pin, as from tightening the hole after the pin wore loose. The action shows light operational wear and there is handling wear on the strawed controls. Some areas of the blued finish have a plum hue, most notable on the barrel and sideplate. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is barely perceptible play between the barrel assembly and frame. We did not fire 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 magazine with a wood floorplate. The magazine shows operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: In addition to being the first to adopt the Luger pistol as a standard-issue sidearm, Switzerland was also one of the longest users of the design, with various forms in use until being replaced in 1949 by the Sig P210. This example was produced by Waffenfabrik Bern in 1928 during the inter-war years and is known variously as an 06 W+F, 1900/06 W+F, and, curiously as an 06/24, though this last designation is a collectors’ term and not technically accurate. It is the first type of this model, still having the short raised portion of the sideplate which would later be reinforced with the raised portion continued up to the top edge. The pistol has mostly matching serialized parts, though the rear toggle has been replaced, possibly to re-equip the pistol with a “V” notch (many were filed out to a “U”-style notch), and has been refinished so it still looks great. It has an exceptional bore and strong mechanics. This will be a nice addition to a Luger collection as one of the Swiss variants and should also still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!