This is a 1906/29 Model  Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern on license from the DWM.  It is 7.65mm with the 150mm (6") pencil thin classic barrel. These were commercial models with no stock lug and distinctive grips.  It has the squeeze grip safety and the thumb safety.  The extractor is marked "Geladen".  (1009)

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In 1906 when DWM introduced the new model (an upgrade from the 1900) with the new extractor, new main spring, modified toggle grips and locking mechanism, the addition of "Gesichert" and a shorter barrel (118mm) the Swiss accepted some but not all the changes of DWM for their '06.  They wanted to keep the 120mm barrel,  they wanted to keep the 7.65mm, and they didn't want the German word for safety when they were a three language country.

This required DWM to produce a different gun for the Swiss and by 1914 the 1st World War was creating a massive demand on the German armaments industry with the Swiss orders falling behind.  The Swiss decided to produce their own weapons and got a license from DWM for the production in the Bern plant.

This gun was obviously a special order for someone with the 1001 serial number on the frame trigger, side plate, and locking lever and Cross and Sunburst on the Chamber. The grip safety is unnumbered as is the barrel (although witnessed marked) the grips are matching each other the fitted 1929 toggle train has a 53377 number and the Swiss Shield and Cross.

While one might be quick to say it is a parts gun, study of the tolerances may reveal its special purpose. The frame and receiver appear to have been taken from a DWM 1900/06 Cross and Sunburst to include an '00/06  four digit serial number 1001.  The date on the toggle puts the year as 1035 manufacture.

The Swiss are famous for their shooting clubs and sporting events using firearms. They were confident in the 7.65mm round for its accuracy and penetrating power and stuck with this cartridge throughout the use of the Parabellum although flirting with 0mm variations.

This Luger has two sets of matching numbers  based on the serial number of the gun and the number on the 1929 toggle; records kept by the Swiss we can learn this gun was produced in 1935.  There are no indications that the parts were ever used in the military and the early gun treatment (nitrate blued trigger, locking lever, magazine catch and thumb safety indicates that this was either a special order gun or salesman's sample.

Also in 1924 a simplified breechblock was introduced with out the 'steps' on the side as reflected below.  Therefore this Luger was a transitional gun utilizing the original '06 parts but the finishing reflects the guns after #26205 the approximate transition serial number.

This new breechblock begins the Variation III of the 06/29 Swiss Bern with the type size the same and the insides of the toggle were blued. The frame retains the white inside as characteristic of the 1906 Models.

 The Swiss retained the wide grip of the 1900 model on their produced Lugers.

It was also common practice to cut the rear sight into a 'U' as opposed to the "V" as the standard rear sight.

Avery clean and cared for Luger.  The Swiss continue to cherish their weapons and understand the responsibility of gun ownership and defense of their nation.  Although remaining Neutral in past wars they offered a very formidable defense of their nation in the very middle of Europe.

The Swiss are known as devotees of the Luger from the early Borchardt up through the 1949 World Shooting Championships.  When the DWM factory couldn't keep up with the demand they became licensed to build the Parabellum outside of Germany.  Only the Bern plant and the Vickers (and there is a question of they actually manufactured the guns) were made outside of Germany.  This is a really nice piece of history for the military collector and it comes with some fine leather for it's day.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.  We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. If you have any particular picture needed to assist in your buying decision please email josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com with your requests.