1903 French Luger

1903 Commercial French Contract

This is a 1903 French Commercial from made by the DWM (Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken AG) factory which is displayed on the first toggle link. The extractor identifies this gun as a "French" contract gun with the "Chargé" on the extractor. (2143)

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.


This is a very rare gun made by DWM for commercial sale the French firm "Arms & Cycle Works" of Saint-Etienne, France as stated on the barrel.

It has been stated that these guns were an express order and the inscription of the French firm was stamped on the barrel prior the guns being finished. At the time of their sale they were issued in what was believed t a custom box with an extra magazine a small tin punch in a cleaning rod.

The barrel is 120 mm (4 3/4")in length the standard fixed front site.

The serial number block of this Luger falls in the early series of the known French guns beginning at 51000. There is also an early "shield" proof of D M and the Crown B, U, & G markings as on the early 1900 models. The magazine has no serial number no markings whatsoever.

The grips are the checkered walnut, there is no stock lug, there is a hold-open.

The barrel is Crown B.U.G Proofed. Good crisp proofs on the frame left of the receiver and toggle. The stock lug bears the serial number. Collectors prize the guns that are BUG proofed. The Crown B (Beschuss) means the barrels were tested using a heavier load in accordance with the 1892 proof law. The Crown U (Untersuchung) means it was inspected after assembly and the Crown G (Gozogen) means a rifled barrel.

The gun is classified as a Curio and Relic and can be shipped directly to those licensees. We reserve the right to withdraw any firearm from an auction site that is sold over the counter. Prices are adjusted for cash transactions. Thanks for looking.


The Extractor is marked with the Chargé and there are no minor serial numbers exposed as common with commercial model Lugers.

The extractor appears to be a holdover from the French 1904 trials. It appears that DWM did not have in their stamp kit an accidented "É" so they used the "/" Mark behind the E in CHARGÉ. This adds to the authentication of the gun to be a real French commercial Parabellum.

On the front of the receiver is the Crown "B" and Crown "U" as on the breach block and the 1st toggle link. Underneath the thumb safety the area is polished, customary with the 1906 model and there are no exposed serial numbers on the gun except the rear toggle.

The interior views of the gun show a very clean and well preserved weapon. The mechanical parts of the '06 are clearly visible with the fire-blued pins, nitrate blued locking lever, trigger, etc., and the well polished surface show the old-world craftsmanship at its finest. The last 2 digits of the serial number can be seen on the trigger and the interior of the safety lever.

Above Left: The Crown "B" and Crown "U" can clearly be seen on the breach block in 1st toggle length. Above Right: Inside the well is the circle with the legs on top that is usually confused


Above & Below one can see the proofs that went onto these early Parabellum; from the continuum of the last two digits of the serial number on the smallest of parts to the fine fitting of the part into the most recognized handgun in the world.

This is an extraordinary Luger in the very rare category that represents one of the transition guns from the 1900 to the 1906 and was produced for the French with the right hand toggle lock utilizing the then future knurled knob toggles. This very rare Parabellum is offered for $4,495.00 over-the-counter. Any questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

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.

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