This is a excellent example of an all original 1900 DWM American Eagle "Test Luger" as purchased in August 1901 by the U.S. Ordnance Department for troop trials with the U.S. Cavalry. In April 1900 the Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1000 DWM model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots; with approximately 800 shipped 26 October 1901 (serial numbers approximately 6,100-7,100 range) with the remaining 200 shipped on Oct 29 1901 (serial numbers in the 7,200 range). This scarce pistol is serial number "6647" and falls well within the known U.S. Test Eagle serial numbers ranges. This scarce pistol is also complete with an original U.S. marked full flap leather holster, as manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal, specifically for these pistols. These early American Eagle Test Lugers were developed expressly for the U.S. military when they were interested in selecting a replacement pistol for Colt 1894 revolver chambered for the inadequate 38 caliber. These Lugers were produced as a standard 1900 commercial luger and were then hand selected at the DWM factory for shipment to the US Army with only a total of 1000 ever produced. These Lugers are highly sought after by both German Luger collectors or US Martial handgun collectors. The most distinguishing features noted on these Test Eagle Lugers were. 1) there were NO German acceptance proofmarks. 2) they lacked the typical "Germany" export markings usually found on the front of the frame or under the barrel. 3) some but not all of these test Lugers had a small German ordnance proof that resembled the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof, located either inside the front frame recess area; in front of the recoil lug located on the underside of the barrel extension (which is where this pistol is marked) and/or on the bottom of the wooden magazine base. 4) the last two digits of the serial number was stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the take down lever. At the conclusion of these tests all these Lugers were deemed inadequate for U.S. military use and they were all later sold to Bannermans' for resale. The top of the chamber area is correctly marked with the great seal of the United States and are correctly serial numbered in the commercial fashion. They have the early grip safety, recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with toggle locks on the side, and were numbered with the full serial number located on the front of the frame and underside of the barrel with the last two digits of the serial number on the face of the recoil lug, take down lever, side plate, breech bolt, toggle assembly, side of the grip safety and the back side of both grip panels. The pistol has a deep, rust blue finish with the grip screws, front sight blade, and connecting pins are heat blued and the extractor, toggle link, ejector, take down lever, trigger, magazine release, and thumb safety lever have a 'straw' color finish. It is fitted with walnut checkered grips and it has a nickel plated magazine body with an unmarked wooden base. This luger as noted is complete with an original 1900 Test Eagle U.S. leather holster as manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal. The front of the holster has the large "US" inside the oval, with the back of the holster marked with; "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/E.H.S." and the lower front section of the flap has the small inspector initials of "W.C". The back has the single large belt loop secured by two brass studs.