This is a very fine example of a early 1900 Swiss military contract Luger with the ultra rare "A" suffix serial number. Michael AmRhyn of Lucerne, Switzerland discovered that these "A" suffix Swiss Lugers were actually the earlier "E" prefix Lugers (numbered between E588 to E735) that were renumbered with a new "A" serial number suffix by the Swiss Government. The reason for doing this has never been explained; however they are considered very rare with very few ever reported. Most are in Switzerland, and only a handful are in the U.S. There is no indication of what happened to the earlier serial numbered Lugers from "E1 to E587.? This scarce variation is discussed on pages 27-31 of the book "The Swiss Variations" by Fred Datig. This specific Luger is listed on page 31 of the referenced book and was originally serial numbered "E692". This pistol retains its original 7.65 mm Luger auto caliber chambering with the 4 7/8 inch rapid taper barrel, old style long frame with the flat mainspring, early dished toggles with the toggle lock, recessed flat breechblock and grip safety. It also retains the original narrow trigger. The top of the chamber area has the "Swiss cross" in sunburst crest with the DWM scroll monogram on the front toggle link. The left side of the barrel extension is stamped with the small Swiss cross and cross over "V" control or firing proof of Herr Vogelsang the Swiss inspector at the DWM factory. A larger "P.52" is stamped on the left frame rail indicating it was released from the military in 1952. The full serial number "A/5092" is stamped on the underside of the barrel with the last two or three digits of the serial number stamped on the various small parts. It includes original Swiss pattern nickel plated magazine with the unnumbered wooden Swiss base.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished with 95% of the Swiss arsenal blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear and some thinning on the grip straps. The various smaller parts retain 80% of their straw colors overall with slightly more fading on the face of the trigger, lower area of the safety and the take down lever. The grips are in very fine condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides showing some minor handling marks and pressure dents from actual use. A rare example of a "A" suffix Swiss 1900 contract Luger pistol.