This is an exceptional example of a DWM Model 1900 American Eagle "Test Luger" 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, that were delivered in two lots; with approximately 800 shipped 26 October 1901 (approximate serial number range 6,000-7,200 range) and the remaining 200 shipped on Oct 29 1901. This scarce pistol is serial number "6905" and falls into the first shipment and is listed in the book "1900 Luger, U.S. Test Trials" by Reese. This example exhibits all the correct features and markings of an original American Eagle Test Luger. The most distinguishing features noted on these Test Eagle Lugers is there were no German acceptance proofmarks, there were no "Germany" export markings and they had a small German ordnance proof (that resembled the U.S. Ordnance bomb proof) located in the front frame recess area, underside of the barrel extension in front of the recoil lug; and/or on the bottom of the wooden magazine base with the last two digits of the serial number was stamped on the rounded portion of the opposite side of the take down lever. This example has all of those markings/features. At the conclusion of these tests, all these Lugers were disposed of via sale to Bannermans. The top of the chamber area is correctly marked with the "American Eagle" Great Seal of the United States, with the various German proofs noted above. These Lugers have the early features such as a 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. The pistol has a deep 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. It is fitted with walnut checkered grips, and it has a nickel plated magazine body with the noted, proofed wooden base.

Exceptionally fine with 90% plus of the original rust blue finish overall with very minor edge and high spot wear with some slight thinning of the finish on the grip straps. The various smaller parts retain 70% of their original straw colors overall. The walnut grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp distinct checking on both sides and a barely noticeable sliver of wood absent on top left panel. Mechanically excellent.