This is an attractive example of a U.S. Model 1902 DWM "Cartridge Counter" American Eagle Style Luger pistol similar to the ones tested by the U.S. Army with the unique "Powell Indicating Device" on the left side of the grip. There were exactly 50 of these pistols produced, all in the serial number range of 22401-22450, with the serial number of this specific Luger being "22409." This cartridge counter device was ordered by the U.S. Ordnance Board in late 1902 and was scheduled for testing in early 1903. The Powell Indicating Device consists of two components 1) A special left grip that has a small slot cut lengthwise down the grip with a small delicate metal strip attached to the backside that was covered with a 3 1/4 inch very fragile celluloid strip. The metal strip was inscribed with black numbers (1-7) running from the top to the bottom of the strip, that indicated the number of rounds remaining in the magazine. 2) The second part was the special cartridge counter magazine. This magazine, although similar to a standard wood base magazine, has been slotted on the left side of the body and was fitted with a special follower that had a small pin/indicator projecting on the left side. This small indicator pin has a single horizontal witness mark on top and the pin slides up and down under the celluloid strip as the rounds are fired, indicating how many cartridges were actually left in the magazine; a simple but very effective device. In April 1904, these "cartridge counter" Luger pistols were issued to the Cavalry and Light Artillery Boards at Ft. Riley, Kansas, for field testing. On July 4, 1904, the Cavalry Board issued the final test report on the Model 1902 Luger and recommended that these Lugers not be adopted for service as the Powell Indicating Device was too fragile and did not hold up well. All were returned to Springfield Armory and held for many years before being disposed of in the 1920s and 1930s through local sales; many were sold directly to Springfield Armory employees. Aside from the unique grip and special cartridge counter magazines, these Lugers were actually a standard Model 1902 Commercial Luger chambered in the 9 mm Luger cartridge and had the United States "American Eagle'' Crest on the top of the chamber, a short fat barrel configuration, flat/recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with the toggle lock on the right side, grip safety and first model thumb safety lever, with the unmarked and correctly blue lower frame/safety area. The magazine is nickel plated and has a wooden bottom with round metal inserts on either side. The full serial number "22409" is located on the front of the frame and the underside of the barrel. The partial serial number "409" or just "09" is stamped on the various small parts. The magazine and firing pin are unnumbered. This pistol has the high polish commercial rust blue finish with the straw color on the various small parts. There are distinctive features on this particular cartridge counter Luger such as how the numbers are stamped, the aged appearance of the internal cut on the upper left corner of the frame which allows the indicator pin of the magazine to be at its top position (indicating no cartridges in magazine). The small "dimple" at the upper top, spine of the magazine, in an indication that it is an authentic cartridge counter magazine. Note: Another Luger with the same serial number reportedly exists. We are offering this item with the aforementioned disclosure as is with no guarantee!

Very fine as partially refinished (grip straps, barrel and extension) with 95% of the blue finish remaining overall with minor edge and high spot wear overall. The walnut grips are very fine with distinct checkering on both sides and the Powell Indicating Device still intact. The various small parts retain 75% of their straw colors. A representative example of a DWM Model 1902 Cartridge Counter Luger pistol.