American Eagle Luger

[hsr]

I have come across what claims to be a Model 1900 Army trials American Eagle Luger on an online auction. While it looks good there are several red flags, but since I only have 1 source of information, Edward Meadows' U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894 - 1920, I wanted to see if there was newer or updated information. The red flags I am seeing are:

1 The serial number is ~8600. Mr. Meadows list the range as being 6000 - 7500 and while you always have to take such ranges with a grain of salt this seems to be a bit far out of range

2 Mr. Meadows states that is should have no import marks, but this one is marked "Germany" of the front of the frame below the serial number

3 I have read that these pistols were not proofed or marked by Springfield Armory, but this one seems to have several flaming bomb markings.

On the plus side it does have the last 2 digits of the serial number visible on the right side of the take down pin.

Opinions?

Thanks

Information

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[matthanne1]

IMHO, and I will admit that I am not an expert, I would trust your red flags. It sounds like this is a commercial export to America, not necessarily one made for the trials. Good to ask for expert advice though!

[CINDERS]

Some info for you gained from Datigs book may help a bit no serials though just a general description

[hsr]

I actually have that book and it probably would have helped if I had gone through it in more detail. Unfortunately it only adds to my confusion. He makes no mention of the "Germany" mark, but he says, in the original part, that there should be several flaming bomb marks internally, but not externally. Then in the revised section he revisits this and says that there have been several pistols found that are clearly outside that original serial number range that also have flaming bombs. He speculates that maybe Springfield would from time to time purchase commercial pistols, just to keep up with that latest changes, and marked them. I am not sure I buy that, but like I said; more confusion.

[browningautorifle]

The import mark would also turn me off...but if it somehow went to Germany and was returned to the US, it would have that, wouldn't it?

[hsr]

Maybe, but I think when you have to come up with an elaborate story to explain an issue, that it is time to let it go.

[browningautorifle]

an elaborate story

I fully agree. I saw on in Port Angeles in a pawn shop there, hidden and in poor light. They had it priced at about $4000 USD about two years back. I'll bet it's still there for the same reasons...

[hsr]

This one is for $3000.

[CINDERS]

The tests they did when they brought them to the USA were in the extreme to say the least but having one of the 45 ACP ones now that would be something.

[Bruce McAskill]

What was the condition of it? A 1900 test piece in 80% is $4200 and should not be marked Germany and should have no proof marks. The last two digits of the serial number should be stamped on the right side of the locking bolt.