This is an extremely rare example of one of the very rare early Model 1900 Luger carbines that was manufactured by the DWM factory. This specific Luger (serial number 58) is actually shown/listed in the book "Luger at Random" by Kenyon on page 60. These early transitional carbines are not part of the original 1899/1900 Swiss contract Lugers, nor are they considered one of the later "B" serial numbered prototypes or later "C" prefix serial numbered carbine. Instead it has been determined that in fact these were actually carbines that were set-aside by serial number as "individual purchases" made directly from the DWM factory. As noted in the reference it is estimated that up to approximately 100 could have been manufactured however the highest documented serial number is "77", which was purchased by Ormond Smith, publisher of the "Ned Buntline" novels. Currently there are approximately "10" of these early transitional Luger even know to exist. These early transitional carbines are very unique with each one potentially being slightly different and or ordered with special features. This example as seen has some of the early Model 1900 features with other features not consistent with later carbines. It has a blank chamber area (so its not a presentation carbine). It has the old style frame with the long frame/receiver and the flat mainspring. It has the standard dished toggles with toggle lock on the side, flat breech block with the early and very shallow first pattern "DWM" scroll monogram on the front toggle. The front of the frame is fitted with a forend hanger, however it is not serial numbered like the later carbines. The barrel extension is unproofed (numbered only on the recoil lug) and it fitted with a early pattern, faster taper, 11 3/4 inch long barrel with no lug on the underside for the accelerator, nor does the forend have the small spring-loaded accelerator inside to assist during the recoiling cycle. The forend barrel wedge actually has a small spring loaded locking mechanism on the left side of the forend, not seen on any other early carbine. It has the early and seldom seen, "five" position, fist pattern sliding tangent rear sight correctly mounted on the rear toggle. The sight is graduated 1-5 (100-500 meters) with no rear sight on the barrel. The original stock lug was ground off (and the bluing has been touched up), so it probably originally had a shoulder stock which is now missing. The barrel is fitted with a slightly later style front sight similar to those found on the 1902 prototypes. The barrel has the first pattern receiver ring/extractor cut with just a hint of a radius on the underside of the upper barrel extension with a single larger extractor cut on the top portion of the barrel. The frame has the early "flush mounted" side plate, which was later reinforced (thickened) on all later models making this pattern very rare. It has the second type safety lever with the slightly larger head with coarse checkering on the face with the first pattern lower polished safety area. It is also fitted with the narrow/thin grip safety and narrow trigger as used/found on the early 1900 Swiss contract Lugers. It has the standard commercial serial numbering sequence with the serial number (58) found on all the various parts except the forend, the frame hanger (as noted) and the magazine. It has the standard tin-plated magazine body with a wood base stamped with only a capital letter "H". This is a well known documented example that is photographed in "Lugers at Random" in the late 1960s!

Very fine with 75% of the slightly faded original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear overall with the grip straps browning out, with the removed lower shoulder stock lug area touched up as noted above. The various smaller parts retain 40% of their straw colors overall. The walnut grips and forend are both in very good condition with nice distinct checking on both sides, with various handling marks and light pressure dents on the sides of the grips and one slightly larger one on the underside of the forend, mixed with some minor scratches and handling mark on the sides. Notwithstanding the slightly lower condition of the carbine it is certainly one of the rarest early DWM production carbines that you will ever have a chance to purchase. This example is extremely rare and certainly a one of a kind, early pre-prototype Luger carbine, that would probably be impossible to find another one for sale, so don't let this one get away.