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)

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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.

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"

 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.

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. 

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.