This is a beautiful example of an all original and extremely rare, "GL" (Georg Luger) marked prototype DWM Model 1900 Luger. The serial number of this unique Luger is "218" which would indicate that it was made at the same time as the early 1900 Swiss contract pistols, but this very rare prototype has a unique "reversed" toggle mechanism type design. The purpose of this change is for strength in the future plans for higher velocity ammunition, and the front toggle portion incorporates the dished cocking knobs on the rear side of the toggle with the rear portion having the nose of the hinge that extends into the front section; this is exactly the opposite of a standard toggle configuration. In addition, the front sight base is a totally different configuration in that it is has a smaller outside diameter, flat muzzle an undercut below the front sight, and a small dimple/indent on each side of the muzzle. In looking at the front sight base it could be theorized that it was designed for some kind of muzzle break for recoil reduction and the reversed toggle design would also have changed the cyclic rate of the toggle mechanism by changing the weight balance and reversing the cocking knobs. This is certainly a very interesting and unique, developmental pistol from the DWM factory. The front of the frame is stamped in large letters: "GERMANY" with a single "Crown/N" firing proof on the underside of the barrel and left side of the barrel extension. Beyond that, this pistol has other early features such as the dished toggles with toggle lock, a flat/recessed breech bolt, no stock lug, grip safety, early style, first pattern polished lower safety area with the second pattern small safety lever with checkered (not serrated) face; narrow trigger, flat main springs and fast taper barrel that is 4 3/4 inches long. It has the standard rear sight. The front of the frame and underside of the barrel have the full serial number (218), and the various small parts all are correctly numbered with the last two digits (18) of the serial number including on the back side of the left grip. It is complete with an early commercial magazine with tin plated body and a correct unmarked wooden base.