1052

PHENOMENAL "A" SUFFIX SWISS 1900 MILITARY LUGER,

Currency:CAD Category:Antiques Start Price:6,250.00 CAD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 18,500.00 CAD
PHENOMENAL  A  SUFFIX SWISS 1900 MILITARY LUGER,
DEMO LOT
MUZZLE CAP, HOLSTER. Cal. 7.65mm Luger. S# 5061A. An extraordinarily rare Swiss military Luger, one of only 100 such pistols, in the serial range 5001A-5100A. In 1914, DWM suspended Luger deliveries to Switzerland in favor of arming its own military. That left the Swiss with a weapons shortage. To supply pistols to newly graduating officers, a number of instructional pistols in the "E." series were recalled and forwarded to the Bern arsenal for reconditioning. Part of the process included a renumbering, whereby the E.xxx number was removed and replaced with a serial starting from 5001 so as to continue the range of the previously issued M1900s. However, as by that time the M1906s had been issued with serial numbers starting with 5001, these guns were distinguished by adding an "A" suffix. The pistol has standard M1900 characteristics, with a 4.75" bbl., a drift adjustable front sight, and a "V" notch rear sight. Swiss Cross over chamber. Dished toggle with upgraded, reinforced extractor, anti-rebound lock, DWM on middle link, thin trigger, broad grip safety, fluted thumb safety. "P53" release at rear of frame. Major components rust blued. Trigger, takedown lever, extractor, ejector, magazine release button are strawed. Fire blued front sight and grip screws. Finely checkered walnut panels. Front sight cover marked "H. LUTHY/ARMES/NEUCHATEL". Disassembly shows all matching parts except grips, each panel numbered "661". MAGS: correct military with flat button and wood base/metal discs. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: VG+ holster with supple leather and intact stitching. Brown leather with strap, manufacturer marked and dated "06" on obverse surface. CONDITION: crisp 98-99% blue, minimal sharp edge wear consistent with holstering, with a nice "blue" hue as usually found on original/non-reconditioned pistols. Discreetly import marked using a fine laser etching method in an unobtrusive area. Comparable condition straw and near excellent grips. Mirror bore and near excellent manual mechanics. A super nice example of what may be the rarest of the Swiss military pistols. PROVENANCE: From the esteemed collection of Paul Regnier, Switzerland. (20-1417/LA). CURIO. $12,500-18,500.