OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

This DWM Model 1900 American Eagle pistol, serial number 7172, is an example of one of approximately 1,000 test Lugers purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department for troop trials with the U.S. Cavalry. In April 1900 the Ordnance Board authorized the order of 1,000 DWM model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots; approximately 800 shipped October 26th, 1901 in the 6100-7100 serial number range, with the remaining 200 shipped October 29th, 1901 in the 7200 serial number range. Initiated due to reports of underperformance of the then standard double action .38 caliber revolvers in service in Cuba and the Philippines, this trial was one of the first steps taken to make the leap from a revolver to a semi-automatic sidearm in American service. These Lugers were sourced directly through one of DWM's agents in the U.S., who supplied a number of hand-picked pistols straight off the factory floor for issue to the field, mainly with cavalry units (who per the doctrine of the time were considered the primary audience for an updated handgun). This would be the first of many trials which eventually culminated in the adoption of the Colt 1911 pistol, by which time DWM had effectively taken their ball and gone home, convinced that the process was slanted in favor of their American competition. This pistol is fitted with fixed sights, a flat top breech block, and dished toggles with spring-loaded toggle lock assembly. The "American Eagle" crest is prominent on top of the chamber, with matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, takedown latch, side plate, trigger, grips, grip safety, receiver, toggle links and breech block. A wide trigger, sharply checkered safety switch, hold-open device and half-width grip safety are installed on the frame, with fine straw color on the takedown lever, trigger, safety and ejector, bright niter blue on the pins, springs and grip screws, sharply checkered grips and a nickel finished magazine with an unmarked hardwood base. This example also has the correct small DWM/German Ordnance proof (similar to the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof) hidden inside the front frame recess area and underside of the breech. Includes a reproduction "US" embossed leather holster.