1906 DWM American Eagle 9mm-SOLD

PHOENIX INVESTMENT ARMS - PREMIUM COLLECTOR LUGERS

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This is the classic 1906 American Eagle Luger. From the 100mm barrel chambered for the 9mm cartridge this is a 'must have' for most American Eagle DWM Collectors. These were the first commercially sold 9mm pistols in the US; DWM actually had to make the cartridges in those days. These were the export guns, stamped Germany and meant for the American market. (1852)

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.


In 1889 Georg Luger was working for DWM and was engaged in converting the unpopular Borchardt C93 from an unmarketable firearm into the Luger as we know it today. During this process, DWM began to strike the Swiss Cross in a Sunburst pattern over the chamber. This was widely and warmly received by the Swiss and the idea to label contract guns with the National symbols of the countries that purchased contract parabellums. Swiss, American Eagle, Bulgarian, Russian, Serbian, Bolivian, Chilean and many other countries received this special symbol of their country on the Luger.


The frame is the short "new" model with the American Eagle seal over the chamber. The thumb safety is not marked but is polished and extractor is marked "Loaded" in English.

The safety is the squeeze grip with the thumb safety "safe" in the up position. The Serial Number is 5 digits with the "Germany" marked export stamp. No Stock Lug present.

There is an "American Eagle" from the US Great Seal over the Chamber and the DWM (Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken AG) on the first toggle link. The rest of the top of the gun is clean of any proofs or numbers as the classic Commercial Parabellums of that period.

The first toggle link is marked with the DWM monogram, and there is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link. This was a very popular handgun in the United States prior to WWI and then again after the "Great War"

This example has all matching numbers. The barrel is numbered and matches the frame. The early commercial Lugers never had any serial numbers on the bottom of the magazine. The Cal 9mm stamp on the magazine was the result of the transition from 7.65mm to the 9mm. The 9mm Luger cartridge was considered a powerful cartridge during the late years leading up to WWI. The transition to this caliber was the reason that DWM stamped the Cal 9mm on the magazine. These Cal 9mm magazine are very hard to find.

This Parabellum is 9mm, rare for an '06 squeeze grip Luger. Serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style. This is fine, well struck example. The Luger comes with the hold-open device. The front site is dovetailed fixed with the standard site blade. The rear sight is "V" cut.


 During the US Government testing in 1901 of the 1900 Parabellum the American Eagle was employed as a sales tool and when the second test began in 1907 with the order for another 1000 pistols from DWM and 1000 holsters from the Rock Island Arsenal they all had the American Eagle. The acceptance by first the Swiss and then the Americans for their national symbol on the gun highlights the "contract gun series"

 

See Kenyon, Lugers at Random, Page 100 who states the 9mm marked versions were "quite rare" with only approximately 3000 made of 9mm, 4" Barrel.

Left Up: The five digit serial number was used by DWM for most of the entire time it produced commercial guns for the civilian market.  The shield with the diagonal line is an early DWM proof rarely found except in the stop well.  Right Up: One can see the long sear in this picture which prevents the gun being placed on safe while it is in full recoil.  The last two digits of the serial number appear on the grip safety.

See Kenyon, Lugers at Random, Page 100 who states the 9mm marked versions were "quite rare" with only approximately 3000 made of 9mm, 4" Barrel.

Above: The serial number appears on the bottom of the barrel with the last two digits on the stop lug, under the first toggle and then on the rear of the 2nd toggle. This was the customary way to number the 'commercial' Parabellums.
The American Eagle or the US Great Seal is roll pressed over the chamber, a custom DWM adopted after the introduction to the Swiss, with the Swiss Cross in Sunburst. Above Right: The export guns usually had the extractor and thumb safety marked in the language. This shows the "loaded" extractor that came to the United States. The early frame has the safety in the white as the early 1900 model.

 

 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  these proofs.  Therefore DWM was exercising strict quality control of the pieces.

 

All the serial numbers are "concealed" as in the commercial series. The extractor is marked "LOADED" in English to tell you when there is a round in the chamber.  Note: the bevel in the 1st toggle link which is characteristic of the DWM produced guns.  While every Luger was interchangeable each manufacturer has some small distinctions in their process that set them apart. Below the gun has been cared for with no evidence of rust or pitting under the grips.

The serial number under the barrel and under the side plate. With the side plate removed the serial number on the trigger appears. This Parabellum is all matching with the very rare Cal 9mm magazine. Truly a collectors jewel in their collection.

It is very unusual to find a 9mm, 1906 model American Eagle because the bulk were exported in 7.65mm. Jesse Murray in his book DWM Luger 1897-1907 places this gun squarely in 1906 production.
The front of the 100mm barrel has the traditional high front sight that was sighted for 50 meters. The rear toggle has the last two digits of the serial number and shows the "v" rear sight.

 

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. 

 

Very clean and minty both inside and out.  This  Parabellum appears to be an original without being re-worked or re-blued. Most of these early guns were purchase and saved by the early owners and not used as "working" guns. The inside is '"in the white" where it should be and the areas under the grips and grip safety are clean.   Exposed in the picture is the grip safety and the two digit serial number on the side.
Holding an early Luger, a timeless representation of a personal level of quality and pride of craftsmanship, brings you back a hundred years to another century of weapons development. This Luger represents a piece of history and a turning point in our nations weapons procurement.  Old catalogs list these guns originally from $18-$35 depending on the year they were offered.   All that craftsmanship could be yours for $30.00; unbelievable.
There are no proofs on either side of the chamber nor is the serial number present "exposed" but rather hidden under the side plate, under the 1st toggle line and locking lever.
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.

 

As the Luger became more recognized, DWM began an active export campaign both in North and South America.  While there was greater acceptance of the Luger in South America the popularity of the Luger in the US was increased by the placement of the US Seal with the American Eagle over the chamber. It wasn't a contract, just marketing that brought about the American Eagle, one of the most sought after variations of the Luger. 

 

This is a beautiful example of the 1906 American Eagle DWM 9mm Parabellum. Featuring the newly designed 9mm barrel this is the classic Luger with the squeeze grip safety, long sear and 'Loaded' extractor.

Just minty, all-matching and offered for SOLD over the counter for this very seldom seen piece. We reserve the right to sell any internet offering to a direct sale and do not warranty the availability of any firearm that does not have a physical deposit. This gun may be withdrawn without notice for in-store sale. Call for availability. Any questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

 

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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.


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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.

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