One of the rarest of the European contract Luger pistols, only about 900-1000 1906 pattern Lugers were manufactured for delivery to Imperial Russia, and very few made it back out again. Details on the exact destination or intended use of the pistols is under debate; some hold that it was a commercial contract piece, others that it was an explicit government contract. Either way, they went to Russia and for the most part stayed there, not being exported back out or released for surplus sale in any notable quantity, leaving only a scant number (possibly low double digits) available on the American market. Overall mechanical features are typical for the 1906, with a set of fixed sights, thumb and grip safeties (safe in lower position), and a smooth back strap, along with the "DWM" marking on the front toggle link and serial numbering in the "commercial" pattern. Most of the distinctive features relate to the markings, particularly the chamber crest of a pair of crossed Mosin-Nagant rifles, Cyrillic marking in place of the "GESICHERT (safe)" and "GELADEN (loaded)" indicators on the upper safety position and left side of the extractor, respectively, and a small "shield" stamp on the underside of the barrel. A small "flaming bomb" proof is present inside the frame in the takedown latch cavity, a small six-pointed star to the left of the chamber lug, and a coil recoil spring is installed. The grips are checkered hardwood with matching numbers on the interior, with straw and niter blue finished small parts and a nickel finished magazine with "Cal 9m/m" marked hardwood base. A contemporary hardwood case and walnut stand are included, along with a set of research materials related to the Imperial 1906, including a hand-notated data sheet on the pistol and a Charles Kenyan article discussion the similarities and differences between the Russian Luger and the Bulgarian Luger that preceded it in DWM's production schedule. Provenance: The Klaus Meyer Collection

Exceptionally fine, totally original, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing some light scratches on the barrel, thinning of the finish on the edges and high spots. and scattered mild spotting and handling marks. 50% of the bright original straw color is present, showing bright areas and some mild spotting, and some strong niter blue remains on the toggle pins and other protected areas. The grips are fine, with some dings and flat spots. The custom case is very fine, with mild scuffing, stains and dents. Mechanically excellent.