1906/24 Swiss Bern Military

This is a Swiss Model 1906 manufactured by the Swiss at their factory in Bern Switzerland For their military use. Numbering on the 06 W+F began at 15216 in 1918 and this puts this Luger into late 1939. This is a 7.65mm caliber with a 120mm (4 3/4") barrel. The all matching gun is proofed with the Swiss Cross and the acceptance mark of Colonel Mühlemann (Swiss Cross over the M). The grips are distinctive of the Late 06 molded red rubber variation with the checkered border and makes this a very handsome model for the collector. (2192)

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 1897 Georg Luger personally demonstrated the Borchardt automatic pistol. The conclusion of the Swiss Kriegamaterialverwaltung was that the Borchardt was too big, had poor balance and too complex. However the 7.65mm cartridge was an overwhelming success. The Swiss were the first to adopt the Parabellum for its military service on May 4th, 1900 and so began the production of the worlds most recognized handgun.


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.

This is a 7.65mm caliber with a 120mm (4 3/4") barrel. The all matching gun is proofed with the Swiss Cross and the acceptance mark of Colonel Mühlemann. This Luger has the new model frame and no stock lug.

All 7.65mm Lugers have have four-groove rifling with a right-hand twist of one turn in 250mm. 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 narrow trigger guard and the concealed numbers of the small parts. This was the heyday of the craftsmanship on the Swiss Parabellums.

Above Left: on the rear frame, one can see the Bern Waffenfabrik proof. Above that on the rear toggle are the fixed iron sights. The Swiss frequently rounded the bottom of the rear sight into a "u" bottom as they were very vested in competitive shooting as a way to improve their military. This model retains the original configuration of the rear sight. Above Right: a red hard rubber magazine bottom, which began to appear with the red groups in the late 24/29 versions

In 1898 Georg Luger returned with the first of the Borchardt-Lugers (two were thought to be submitted.) The Swiss were truly impressed by the rapid fire of the Luger with hardly a misfire. Another trial was held in 1899. Again the Swiss were impressed and ordered 20 of these pistols for extensive field testing asking Georg Luger to lighten the pistol.


The Waffenfabrik Bern (Swiss Manufacturer) on the 1st toggle link and the blank chamber with the standard military proof marks other than the Swiss Cross that appears on the left side of the barrel; all five digits of the serial number are on the rear toggle link along with the "V" sight. We provide extensive pictures so you can access the percentage of bluing; this model has a hold open latch and all matching numbers.

Above Left: The trigger is marked with the last two digits of the serial "06". Clearly shown is the early proof of Col. Mühlemann. Above Right: The "06" appears under the side plate. It is also noted that in this first variation of the Swiss Bern the side plate is still in same specification as the DWM model. Later in the production the slight change to the side plate makes it easy to identify the 2nd variation.

The Swiss Shield & Cross (their heraldic symbol) monogram markings appear on the 1st toggle link and the extractor is marked 'Geladen' (Loaded). Most of these Swiss variations were done in 120mm barrel with the long frame. The 7.65mm were preferred by the Europeans as a very accurate round and while some of the border police carried a 9mm the vast majority of the Swiss Lugers will be found in the .30 Cal Luger or 7.65mm.

The red magazine bottoms began to appear with the late 1906/24 models and then were standard until the brown two pin magazine bottoms. These, in fact were the old-style rolled metal crimped magazines that were standard issue for DWM. The reload process, ordinarily consisted of releasing the magazine with one's thumb and letting gravity empty the magazine to the ground. With the drying out of the magazine bottom, this made them susceptible to cracking. DWM went to the aluminum bottoms in the early 20s which began and ended production in some variation.

The five digit serial number appears on the barrel; the "P" code is Privat and indicates this is one of the military Parabellums that was retired with the separation of the individual to which it was assigned in the military. As such it was offered to this person as a personal weapon for a minimal amount of money.

In 1905 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 safety when they were a three language country.


Here is the exposed gun with all the numbers matching, in excellent condition reflecting 100 years of care and demonstrating the elements of craftsmanship that last. The inside of this barrel is very strong with still shiny finish.The Swiss retained the wide grip of the 1900 model on their produced Lugers.

The small Swiss Crosses appear on the frame, barrel and breech block. The inside of this gun is clean and reflects the care taken by the Swiss soldiers for their weapons. The grip safety is marked with the last three digits of the serial number and the "strawed" parts appear to have been refreshed when the Luger was re-worked at the factory to convert it to private use from the military. Later versions have a large "P" on the left side of the receiver and somewhat clutter the clean lines of this gun.

Above you see the "business end" of the 7.65 mm Parabellum. 7.65 mm was the European choice for over 100 years. The overall condition of this gun is very fine which is a testament to how the Swiss respected their weaponry. Above Right: one can see the full width safety grip on the back of the Luger. For whatever reason, the Swiss considered the safety feature paramount and ordered all of their guns with the grip safety.

The red bottom & grips began to appear at the end of the 06/24 production and are double pinned. It is probable that this gun was originally issued with the wooden bottom and they were replaced during use. The grips made of a hard rubber in the magazine base is of a similar material. Harvesting of the walnut for rifle stocks, grips, it magazine bottoms, just to name a few of the wartime requirements played against Germany's conservationist movement and thought other products as substitutes.

Above the fine diamond red rubber grips with the distinctive Swiss Lugers and you can also see the Swiss Cross Military Proof on the receiver. Below the top of the Luger is clean of numbers and gives it a real handsome look.

The model 1906 W+F began production in 1918 and officially ended with Serial # 33089 in 1933. This all matching gun is the classic '06 model produced by the Swiss to their exacting standards and was built in late 1921.

The Swiss modified the appearance of the locking lever and the thumb safety to a more modern or utilitarian appearance. This also extended the look of the toggle knobs ticket from the flat checkered pattern to a smooth edge design.

The Swiss were meticulous when marking and caring for their weapons. When ever a Parabellum changed hands or was released from service it was sent back to the factor and re-inspected and refinis;. There is a "P" code (Privat) or release marking. This weapon probably belonged to an officer and was kept in a high state of maintenance.

This variation of the Swiss Bern featured the full sized grip safety that extended across the back strap.

Few guns are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder. It is entirely subjective to give any weapon a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. This Luger is identified as a curio and can be send directly to C&R licensees and above. If you have any questions about this or any of our Lugers email 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.

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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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