This is a 1906 Model DWM manufactured Parabellum in 7.65mm with the classic 120mm pencil thin barrel. Grip safety, diced toggles with a hold open, no stock lug and beautiful fine point checkered grips. This is a fabulous collectors item with all matching numbers.  (1091)

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.

These are old model long frames with DWM scrolled on the first toggle link and the brushed safety with the area above the chamber marked to the country Luger was seeking a contract.  This was the same period that the 1900 Bulgarian was being marketed as around 1902 Georg Luger was enjoying a good market in the Balkans with the delivery of 1000 Parabellums with the Bulgarian Crest over the chamber.

There are three known representations of this variation Luger in the US.  In October 2008 a German auction house offered one for sale and it is believed another exists in the US. This is much like the American Eagle, King Carlos (Portuguese), Chilean, Bolivian, and other early 1900 crest marked Parabellums that Luger was promoting to foreign nations to accelerate sales.

For that reason, it appears Luger took samples from the running manufacture as otherwise his initials "GL" would be on the rear toggle link instead of the three digit serial number. The offered Parabellum may be assumed that these weapons were either Luger's individual present to the Serbian court or samples for the military or an order from the Serbian court to DWM regarding a presentation weapon.

The top view reveals the Serbian Crest and the DWM [Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken] rolled onto the front toggle link but not as deeply as the latter models. It appears to have the early rust blued original finish with the customary parts strawed.

Between 1889 and 1903 Alexander I Obranovic was King of Serbia. The Coat of Arms of the kingdom of Serbia depicted the double eagle since its Austrian-supported foundation in 1882. It is remarkable, though, that the arms of the grand duchy of Serbia which existed from 1813 - 1882 are on the weapon's receiver and the latter does not carry a double eagle. This is presumably due to the rekindled Serbian nationalism and the consequent tensions with the Hapsburg Empire.

The inside of the gun shows a very clean and well cared for Luger.  Serial numbers on the trigger and three digit serial on the grip safety.

By the serial numbers this Luger was produced in 1902 as a commercial gun without proof marks.  The three digit numbering on the small parts was frequently found in these early Parabellums.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers 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.