1906 Swiss Bern

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 1921. 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 Vogelsang. The grips are distinctive of the early production models and make this a very handsome model for the collector. The gun comes with a military holster. (965)

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 safety 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.

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 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 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 the fine diamond grips with the border added to 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.

This picture reveals the Geladen on the extractor which was controversial since the Swiss speak three different languages and it was never decided which to use so the German was kept. You can also see the polished thumb safety which in '06 was still thumb up for safety and the polished area meant it was "safe" .

The Swiss are known as devotees of the Luger from the early Borchardt up through the 1949 World Shooting Championships. When the DWM factory couldn't keep up with the demand they became licensed to build the Parabellum outside of Germany. Only the Bern plant and the Vickers (and there is a question of they actually manufactured the guns) were made outside of Germany. This is a really nice piece of history for the military collector and it comes with some fine leather for it's day.


The Bern 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 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 are famous for their shooting clubs and sporting events using firearms. They were confident in the 7.65mm round for its accuracy and penetrating power and stuck with this cartridge throughout the use of the Parabellum although flirting with 9mm variations.

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. The military proof of the V over the Swiss Cross was the proof of military acceptance. When the Luger was retired from the military they were brought back to the factory and refurbished so they could be sold to either the former owner or on the commercial market.

This is an early holster with the coveted strap with the early connectors that are very hard to find. In addition this is one of early holsters that were made by the Bern Factory before they subcontracted for holsters.


A very clean and cared for Luger. The Swiss continue to cherish their weapons and understand the responsibility of gun ownership and defense of their nation. Although remaining Neutral in past wars they offered a very formidable defense of their nation in the very middle of Europe. This Luger is looking for another good home. A very unique piece with all the known characteristics of the period guns that it represents this is very nice gun for the advanced Swiss collector.



Below: DWM and Switzerland held a lot of joint interests and stock in each other companies. When the production of Lugers began DWM could not keep up with the demand for orders and so a negotiated licensing was undertaken by the Bern Factory and DWM and Bern began to produce the Luger. Up to that time some of the models were sent from DWM to Bern "in the white" for final proofing and bluing.

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 .

This is a magnificent example of the Swiss early production of '06 model Luger that was made by the Swiss for their military and issued with a holster and both the belt loops and the straps for the ski troops. An all matching gun including the grips with a like-new minty factory finish to the Swiss Collector seeking the very best in this model Parabellum.

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.

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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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