This is a desirable example of a DWM Model 1900 American Eagle Luger pistol that falls into the noted serial number range of the American Eagle Army test Lugers purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department, in August 1901 for troop trials with the U.S. Cavalry. The Ordnance Board authorized an order for 1,000 DWM model 1900 Luger pistols, (approximate range 6,000-7,200 range) shipped in two lots; 800 shipped October 26, 1901 and 200 shipped on October 29, 1901. This pistol falls into the first shipment and is listed on page 69 in the book "1900 Luger, U.S. Test Trials" by Reese. This example exhibits the correct markings of an original American Eagle test Luger. The most distinguishing features are: there were no German acceptance proofmarks, and no "Germany" export markings. It does have the small German ordnance proof (resembling a U.S. Ordnance Shell and Flame insignia proof) located in the front frame recess area, a partial proof on the underside of the barrel extension in front of the recoil lug and the rounded portion on the right side of the take down lever is correctly stamped with the last two digits of the serial number. At the conclusion of these tests, all of these Lugers were sold to Bannermans in New York. The top of the chamber area is correctly marked with the United States "American Eagle" seal/crest, with the DWM logo on the front toggle. All these model 1900 lugers exhibit the various early features, such as, a narrow grip safety, recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with toggle locks on the side, 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, takedown lever, side plate, breech bolt, toggle assembly, side of the grip safety and the back side of both grip panels. It is fitted with walnut checkered grips, and it comes with a nickel plated magazine with an unmarked wooden base. It also comes with a reproduction, US marked American Eagle test type leather holster. It is stamped on the back side in the upper left hand corner with: "ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL/E.H.S." The pistol has a rust blue finish with the grip screws, front sight blade, and connecting pins heat blued and the extractor, toggle link, ejector, take down lever, trigger, magazine release, and thumb safety lever have a straw color finish.

Fine with 50% plus of the original blued finish remaining overall with blue fading from being tested and handled over the years. 50% of the bright original straw colors remain. The front and rear grips straps have oxidized and turned a dark brown patina with the same light brown patina finish on the front frame rails, and left side of the barrel. The original matching grips are in very good condition with nice original distinct checkering on both sides, with some slight flatten/wear across the tops of the checkering mixed with some handling marks and light pressure dents on the sides. It has matching numbers on the various parts to include both grips. The reproduction holster is in like new condition. A solid representative example of an original U.S. Army American Eagle test Luger.