1902 American Eagle Fat Barrel

In September 1902 DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken) began to manufacture the 9mm which was developed by Georg Luger after the military test trials in the United States. These had the 4" (100mm) barrel that was a "thick" or "fat barrel" as they are known by collectors. Production continued into 1903 for the "fat barrel" series to include the American Eagle Fat Barrel, The American Eagle Cartridge Counter and the Commercial Fat Barrel. Below: This is a cased presentation gun, in minty condition, with two extra "Cal 9mm" magazines, a pin punch and loading tool. (1790)

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon. Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation. Please visit Legal (tabbed) for Conditions of Sale.

To understand the early Parabellum production you must understand the serial number system and how it was applied. In 1900 at the start of commercial production (although George Luger made Lugers in 1897, 98 and 99 it was in 1900 that the full production of the 1900 Model was underway. There were two assembly plants established to manufacture the gun, one use the Crown U, Crown B proofs the second made guns without proofs. Therefore DWM was exercising strict quality control of the pieces.

The serial number range for the 1900 Luger was from 1 to 9999. The serial number range from 1901 produced Lugers was 1 to 9999. To differentiate you must go to the design of the thumb safety. The 1890's - 1900 models used the Type I safety which was long flat and cross checkered. Somewhere around 400 serial number in 1901 they began to use the Type II safety which was high domed and cross checkered. These Type II also seem to show up on presentation and "B" Model Prototypes.


This early 9mm model with the 100mm barrel that measures 16.6mm at the throat and tapers to 15mm at the sight band. Compare this to the standard 9mm which measured 15.5 mm at the throat and tapers to 13.7 at the sight band. Giving the gun the "fat barrel" look.

This early Parabellum has all the characteristics of the very early Lugers: flat breech block and old model receiver with the self-retaining extractor up to the classically dished toggles. Also note the early wide trigger guard 14.8mm (.585") and the narrow early trigger .330".

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the "Commercial" Parabellums was the five digit serial number. All these "Fat Barrel" less the Cartridge Counters were imported as commercial guns, 450 total. The magazine is the Cal 9 m/m marked wooden base. These are highly prized magazines by the collectors and is correct for this 1902 manufactured Luger.

This offering includes the all matching 1902 American Eagle Fat Barrel Parabellum with three Cal 9mm magazines, a cleaning rod, pin punch, loading tool and an box of ammunition.

This is an example of a very early production DWM Model 1902 American Eagle Luger pistol chambered in the "9mm" Luger cartridge that is fitted with the scarce short fat barrel configuration. This model was a continuation of the earlier 1902 commercial Luger with these specifically intended for the U.S. market with only 600-700 total being made with the fat barrel.


The inside of this gun is as clean and pristine at the exterior; the grip safety lever has the last two digits of the serial number (see above). Obviously well cared for this Luger is looking for a good home and another custodian who will treasure its craftsmanship.

All the small parts have been serial numbered. This model has the wide grip safety and three digits on the rear toggle. See the pins that are nitrate blued. Below is the cleaning rod with the wooden "barrel" handle.


Above is a close-up of the Pin Punch and the Loading Tool both of which are not proofed as customary with the commercial issue of accessories.

In Sept 2014, Rock Island Auctions sold just the 1902 American Eagle Fat Barrel, no case, no extra magazines, no cleaning rod, no pin punch for $25,875 http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/62/lid/3458 This means if the market is at $25k your are getting close to $7,000 in equity.


One is first impressed with the thick 9mm barrel, 4" (100mm) in length. There are very few of the 'fat' barrels in existence and this one is recognized with the 22951 serial number placing it's production in late 1902. The walnut grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct checkering showing minor handling marks overall.

The lower safety position is unmarked and polished bright with the extractor correctly unmarked. This Luger is complete with two original wood base, nickel plated magazines, both are marked with a script "Cal 9m/m" on the bottom.

Serial number placement is in the commercial "hidden" style; displayed on the bottom the side plate, the locking bolt, the front of the frame, under the barrel, and on the side of the trigger. This example has all matching numbers. There are no usual proof marks found on other guns of this period and represents a very clean pristine look to enhance the beauty of the gun.

The Original Model Frame has the wide trigger guard (15mm) and the gun is machined to accept the leaf recoil spring. Note how the receiver is curved at the top of the rear portion of the receiver ring and not cut away for the extractor as in the new model receiver.

This 1902-03 Model "Fat Barrel" Luger is characterized by the 9mm 4" (100mm) thick barrel, the rear "V" cut fixed and front dovetailed sight and the old short frame, short receivers without a the stock lug. This 9mm model of the Luger was produced from September to December 1902 for export sales in the 22999 serial numbers. 1903 Serial numbers were between 23000-23999. Serial number recordings appears to support that the "fat barrels" were made in two batches as the "Commercial Fat Barrel" appears within the number range.

The decision was made to begin the serial number range for the 7.65mm, 4 3/3" barrel (120mm) 1902 Luger with 10001-21999 and these ran until September 1902. In August 1902 DWM began making carbines in the 21000 range, these are the very early carbines. In September 1902 DWM began to manufacture the 9mm Luger within the 22000-22999 and included in this group are the 02 American Eagle, the 02 Commercial, the late 9mm commercial carbine, the 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter 22401-22450 and the 1902 Danzig Luger. With the completion of the Cartridge Counter there were the "fat barrels" still on the shelf so DWM continued to assemble the 9mm American Eagle and Commercial Fat Barrel until they ran out. This pushed this model into 1903 when the serial numbers changed to 23000-23999.



Below Left: Look under the toggle lock and you see two distinctive vertical lines from where the catch to the toggle lock assembly catches. The frame was milled out and this latch was silver soldiered in place. These two little lines are always sought by the collector of early Lugers to see if the gun has been re-blued. You can't duplicate the absence of bluing in this condition.

Above Right: The original grips were not numbered but both bear a manufacturer cartouche or DWM assemblers mark. It is unidentifiable today but both were stamped.

The serial number range of the 1902 9mm Lugers was from 22000-22999. These were manufactured from September thru December 1902. Within these 1000 guns was the American Eagle, the Commercial Fat Barrel, the 1902 Cartridge Counter (50 guns), the Commercial Luger Carbine and the 1902 Danzig Luger. All of these variations are extremely rare.



Above Right: Under the thumb safety the space is left "in-the-white" or just polished to show the gun is SAFE; thumb safety down to fire.

Military Lugers were numbered 1-10000 and then 1a-10000a, 1b-1000b, and so on. The commercial guns were five digits up to 1923 when DWM was bought out by Berlin-Karlsruher Industrie-Werke-Aktiengesellschaft (BKIW) in 1924. By knowledge of the serial number of the early commercial Lugers you can tell which year they were actually produced.

The nice clean lines of the early Luger's are what gives it the classic look. This gun has sat in collections for years and is looking for a good home.

The serial number range of the 1903 9mm Lugers was from 23000-23999. These were manufactured from January thru December 1903. Within these 1000 guns was the American Eagle, the Commercial Fat Barrel, the Commercial Luger Carbine and the 1903 Danzig Luger. All of these variations are extremely rare. The 1903 prototype series were from 100041B-100075B

The handsome leather bound case with the hand stitched handle is a great compliment to this beautiful American Eagle Luger.

The three DWM manufactured wood bottom "Cal 9mm" marked magazines.

Super clean and without the usual finger oil marks on the strawed parts this gun is a glimpse into the quality and craftsmanship of the early DWM manufactured Lugers. The characteristic smooth side of the side plate and flat top of the toggles make these guns simply beautiful and distinctive.

1902 was the first year DWM began the 5 digit serial numbers for their commercial guns. 1902 also marked the beginning of the "B" model prototypes which were made only from 1902 until 1905. 1902 also marked the first series of commercial guns without the customary Crown B, U, G proofs as evidenced by the 1902 American Eagle 9mm Fat Barrel. Later these proof marks were added again.

The true beauty of these early Lugers is the detail, intricacy and craftsmanship. Deep rust blued to an almost black appearance with the bright strawing on the take down, trigger, magazine release, extractor, ejector an thumb safety just high-light the beauty of these guns. This is a very rare version of the 1902 American Eagle Commercial "Fat Barrel", held in such beautiful condition by only a few collectors. Questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com This truly rare Luger is offered to the serious collect for SOLD over the counter.

LAYAWAYS: Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons. In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed. Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

See Credits, Bibliography, Notices and Disclaimers.

3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it. See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

Genuine Lugers Sales - Luger History - Luger Accessories - Luger Holsters - Parabellum