GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
IMPORTANT 1899 UK TRIALS PROTOTYPE LUGER. LUGER 1899 UK TRIALS PROTOTYPE PISTOL 40 7.65MM MODERN; IMPORT 4-3/4" 7.65 mm Cal bbl. Part upper rim of breech face removed in manufacture, possibly to allow sight of loaded cartridge rim as a loaded indicator. Plain toggle assembly without DWM logo with prototype large digit numbering to rear frame and top of rear link in front of rear sight. Small digit SN applied under barrel parallel to barrel axis. Plain, unmarked chamber consistent with being made after the batch of 20 identical pistols supplied for the Swiss 1899 trials with Swiss Geneva cross impressed over the chamber. Unique, original M1899 long (51 mm) prototype breech bolt with original double firing springs and special firing pin and follower to accommodate these. Prototype square section hinge tongue between rear and mid toggle links. Original strawed sear bar unique to M1899 prototypes. Dished toggles with toggle latch and prototype short abutments between top of rear link and receiver. Original M1899 prototype thin trigger and thin coil spring assembly and original thin prototype checkered flat safety lever with deeply incised outline to the in-the -white safe indicator in the frame safety recess. Original prototype wood bottom magazine with flat button (for the unrelieved frame ) with correct prototype brass spring follower (cf. production aluminum followers used for all subsequent magazines) with internally numbered wood base and body. This gun is featured on pp. 175, 179, 181, 186, 191 and 192 of The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols by Joachim Gortz & Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. All numbered parts are matching. The only known surviving 1899 prototype Luger in wholly unmodified, complete orig form. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Good. Retaining about 40% blue with scattered pitting that is deeper on the left side. 20% straw. Bore is worn and bright. Grips are moderately worn with a small chip under the safety lever. Magazine has light corrosion on body and minor nicks and dings to wood bottom. Mechanics are very good. 43475-1 BWS10 (20,000-35,000)