This is a solid representative example of a desirable DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Test Luger as purchased in 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 1,000 DWM model 1900 Luger pistols, which were delivered in two separate lots. Approximately 800 were shipped 26 October 1901 (serial numbers approximately 6,100-7,100 range) and the remaining 200 shipped on Oct 29 1901 (serial numbers in the 7,200 range). This scarce pistol is serial number "6778" and falls well within the known U.S. Test Eagle serial number ranges. These test lugers were developed expressly for the U.S. military when they were trying to replace the standard Colt 1894 revolver chambered for the anemic 38 Colt cartridge. These test Eagle Lugers were hand selected at the DWM factory from the standard 1900 commercial Lugers with all of them being for shipment to the US Army. The features that distinguishing from commercial lugers are: 1) there are 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) had a small German ordnance proof located either inside the front frame recess area, or in front of the recoil lug located on the underside of the barrel extension (this example has both) and/or on the bottom of the wooden magazine base, (which this magazine is not marked) and the last two digits of the serial number were stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the takedown lever, (which this example has). 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 "American Eagle", 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. Originally these pistols had a deep rust blue finish with the heat blue grip screws, front sight blade, and connecting pins. The extractor, toggle link, ejector, takedown 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.

Very fine with 80% of the blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with blue loss and thinning on the grip straps and front frame rails with a refinished side plate. The smaller parts retain 60% of the straw colors overall. The grips are in good condition overall with the checkered diamonds on both sides having been improved (recut/recheckered), with some heavier pressure dents on the right side grip. A scarce variation of early Model 1900 American Eagle Test Luger.