This is an exceptionally fine example of an original U.S. Model 1902 DWM "Cartridge Counter" Luger pistol as tested by the U.S. Army. These desirable Luger variants are discussed in the book, "Lugers At Random" by Charles Kenyon Jr. As noted in the book, there were exactly 50 of these pistols produced for the US Army for testing with all the serial number noted in the range of 22401- 22450, with this specific example being serial number "22447". This cartridge counter device was ordered by the U.S. Ordnance Board in late 1902 and was scheduled for testing in early 1903. They all featured the unique Powell Indicating Device on the left side of the grip. The Powell Indicating Device consists of two things: 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 is covered with a 3 1/4 inch, very fragile, celluloid strip. The metal strip is inscribed with black numbers 1-7 running from the top to the bottom of the strip which indicates the number of rounds remaining in the magazine. 2) The second part is the special cartridge counter magazine. This magazine, although similar to a standard wood base magazine, has been slotted on the left side of the magazine body and is fitted with a special follower that has a small pin/indicator projecting from the left side of the magazine. 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 are 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 a standard Model 1902 Commercial Luger chambered in the 9 mm Luger cartridge. They have the U.S. "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, and unmarked and correctly polished 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 "22447" is located on the front of the frame and the underside of the barrel. The partial serial number "447" or just "47" is stamped on the various small parts. The magazine and firing pin are correctly unnumbered. These early Lugers have primarily a high polish commercial rust blue finish and straw finished 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), and the small "dimple" at the upper top, spine of the magazine. It is an absolutely all original unaltered authentic "Cartridge Counter" Luger pistol.

Very fine with 75% plus of the original blued finish overall with edge and high spot wear with blue loss on the sides of the front sight base and the front frame rails. The front and rear grip straps have an original blue mixed with brown patina finish. 30% plus of the original straw colors remain on the small parts overall. The grips are both in fine condition with even wear visible on the checkering on both sides showing some heavy pressure dents on both sides from being in a holster. A fine example of a very rare all original DWM Model 1902 cartridge counter Luger semi-automatic pistol.