German Luger Collectibles

1906 Swiss Shield & Cross

1906 Swiss

This is a 7.65mm Classic Luger squeeze grip 1906 Swiss military, manufactured by DWM with the 120mm (4.75") Barrel for the Swiss Armée. Numbered in the DWM 4 digit series that is the one of the best models you can get. This Luger has the new model frame and no stock lug. It is believed these head stamped Parabellums were issued to Swiss Armée in 1909 with the Swiss inspector applying the Geneva Cross in Berlin upon the change of National Insignia of the Swiss. This is a very limited edition not proofed with Swiss military proofs in Bern. (2099)

Swiss Luger

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 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 secured [Gesichert] 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 is an early example of the long frame with a long sear in the manner of the early 1906 models. The last two digits of the serial numbers match on the small parts but they are placed in the concealed manner as in the commercial versions. The all matching gun is proofed with the Swiss Cross and the no other military acceptance mark, of Major Vogelsang (Swiss Cross over the V) which would indicate this Luger was part of a shipment in 1909.

We provide extensive pictures so you can access the percentage of bluing; this model has a hold open latch and all matching numbers. Below: Only on the left side is the Swiss Cross in the M/cross indicating it was inspected by the chief inspector Major Vogelsang. Below: The 1906 Swiss Cross in Shield was only produced by DWM from serial number 9051 to 15215.

The DWM *(Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken)* on the 1st toggle link and the blank chamber without the standard military proof marks other than the Swiss Shield and Cross that appears over the chamber; three digits of the serial number are on the rear toggle link along with the "V" unmodified rear sight. (See below)

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. Above you can see the wide trigger guard and the concealed numbers of the small parts. This was the heyday of the craftsmanship on the Swiss Parabellums.

Above Left: At the rear toggle the Swiss armourers are credited without rounding out the bottom of the "V" rear sight for more accurate sight picture. Above Right: While DWM was in the process of placing "GESICHERT" (Secured/Safe) on the new model 1908, the Swiss opted, because of the three languages common in Switzerland, to remain with the buffed space under the thumb safety for their 'safe' signal.

In 1909 the Swiss received a reported 2,500 Parabellums. DWM sent to Waffenfabrik Bern initially those serial numbered 10001 to 12000. These weapons were sent already finished and accepted by the Swiss Inspector in Berlin. These numbers under close examination were just a bit smaller than the Swiss numbering punches. These so numbered did not have the military acceptance stamp of Major Vogelsang while those numbered before 10001 and after 12000 bear his acceptance stamp.


Note above: The Swiss holster is always quickly recognizable because of its dual attachment system. On the back of the belt loops for carrying it around the waist and on either side are built in ring loops for the attachment of a cross-the-chest strap that was used by the ski troops. It's hard to say that the holsters are rare because you periodically see them at major gun shows but rarely are they in such fine shape as this one.

The fine holster clings to the gun like a glove to maintain a clean lines of this 1806 squeeze grip Parabellum. One is a slight angle muzzle forward as it appears easier to draw than the Wehrmatch design.

In between the belt loops one can see the manufacturer's cartouche which in this case is a In between the belt loops one can see the manufacturer's cartouche which in this case is a burn two digit very early number two digit very early number.

It appears as if anywhere between 700-2,000 Swiss men volunteered to fight for Germany during the war, the majority of those fighting in the Waffen-SS. There was never an entirely Swiss unit. At the start of Swiss involvement, many of these men fought with the 6th “Nord” Division, a mountain division.


These are categorized as Model 1900/06 2nd variation. In 1909 the Swiss Federation changed their policy to issue the Parabellum to their officers along with the holster and accessories. In the past it was a requirement for an officer in the Swiss Armée had to purchase their own weapon.

Above Left: The Swiss ordered their Pistole with the serial numbers "hidden" under the locking lever and side plate. Above the locking lever is the Geneva Cross which is the acceptance stamp of the Swiss Bern proofing house. Above Right: Adopted in 1909 in recognitions of the Swiss adoption of the heraldic shield as their national insignia this version only appeared on weapons serial numbered 9051-15215 (6165 total).

The grips are the fine diamond early DWM style with the last two digits of the serial number inside the grips. The serial number usually doesn't show up on commercial Parabellum but in this case someone, perhaps an armourer placed them there.


The serial number is sequential for all the commercial Parabellum with five digits as opposed to four digits for the military models. The magazine is the "Swiss" version with metal blanks in the finger recess. There was no known explantation for these metal blanks other than it made the gun look really good.

Note above: These markings on the bottom of the side plate and elsewhere on the gun concealed much like all the commercial Lugers made at that time. Only on the left side is the Swiss Cross in the M/cross indicating it was inspected by the chief inspector Major Vogelsang. Below: The 1906 Swiss Cross in Shield was only produced by DWM from serial number 9051 to 15215.

In 1909 the Swiss Federation adopted a new official insignia. There was a partial lot of Parabellum already finished for this order with the old Cross in Sunburst when they asked for the new insignia. These were sent in the white and unnumbered to W+B which were proofed by Major Vogelsang, the next batch was the finished Lugers from the 10001-12000 and then the Major Vogelsang proof reappeared.

This is a very clean Parabellum with the inside reflecting the care of the previous owners. We can see how the squeeze grip provides the sear stop and when depressed enable the gun to fire. The exterior shows honest wear on the muzzle, barrel and high points on the sides. The barrel is shiny and shows distinct lands and grooves. This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

The most distinctive feature of these pistols is undoubtedly the toggle-lock mechanism, which holds the breech closed by locking in a manner not unlike the human knee, which can sustain a heavy weight when straight, but once bent is quite easy to continue to bend. The toggle joint in its straight position resists the rearward force of the detonating cartridge, then "buckles" after enough time has passed. When a round is fired the entire breech, barrel and toggle move straight rearward (on rails) until the toggle begins to ride up on a pair of cams that "breaks" the toggle (makes it bend at the joint). Once the toggle joint is no longer straight, it bends freely, allowing the bolt to come rearward, and the striker to be cocked. The spent cartridge is extracted by a combination extractor/loaded chamber indicator on the top of the toggle, is ejected as the toggle nears the end of its rearward free travel, returning, and a new round is stripped from the magazine and chambered as the toggle is driven back to the straight position by a spring.

The Swiss retained the wide trigger guard and the wider grip safety in the 1906 model.

It is entirely subjective to give any firearm a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few collectible weapons 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. Any questions or request for additional purchases email to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com. This firearm is eligible for transfer to C&R permit holder, even in California. We are registered with CA DOJ for firearms shipment.

Fred Datig in his book The Swiss Variations states that the "Cross in Sunburst: will show up indiscriminately on Swiss military and civilian models, the "Cross in Shield" will only be on ordinance models as if to state these were Swiss Armée only Parabellum. It is also widely held that military weapons upon ones discharge from the obligatory citizens service in the military were taken back to the factory and refurbished, then offered to that citizen at a very reduced price. Most Swiss models found are in excellent condition which supports that theory.

Layaway is available with only $740.00 down and $250.00 per month with the last payment adjusted for the balance. No interest, 12 months to pay it off. Call for details.

This 1906 Model holstered Swiss Cross in Shield is in good - very good +++ condition and offered for $3,695.00 over the counter. This Parabellum show honest holster wear and a strong shiny barrel. This gun may be sold before being posted as such on the internet.

We reserve the right to sell any internet offering to a direct sale and no not warrant 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.

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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