Recently I had the good fortune to buy an interesting DWM commercial Luger.

In his reference work, Lugers at Random, Charles Kenyon, Jr. classifies this variation as the “1920 Swiss.” (See pages 192-193 Revised Format Edition 1990).

Gortz & Sturgess do not use the same classifications as Kenyon; but they make mention of this particular configuration in their work, The Borchardt-Luger Pistols, in Chapter 10 with their discussion of “Post WWI DWM serial numbering” beginning on page 608 of Vol. 2 and continuing for several pages. Figure 10-22 on page 610 makes specific mention of this Swiss pattern.

In his sticky post on the Luger forum entitled, “Alphabet Commercial i suffix (long)” Dwight Gruber calls this the “New Model Swiss, c/N proofed."

Now let me describe this delightful pistol:

* It is a 1906 pattern built on a long frame.

* It has a 7.65mm barrel that measures a full 100mm long (not the typical 98mm of DWM barrels of this period).

* Over the chamber is the Swiss “Cross in Sunburst” crest.

* It bears German commercial Crown over N (upright) proofs, with the mark stamped on the receiver left side, the bottom of the barrel, and the front toggle link.

* There are no Swiss proof marks.

* There is no “GERMANY” stamp.

* The frame has no stock attachment lug, and there is no evidence of one being removed.

* The rear wall of the frame is reinforced.

* There is the "Circled N" inspector’s mark stamped in the forward frame well.

* The front sight is of the Swiss variety. The rear sight is the standard “V” notch, unaltered.

* The firing pin is un-numbered and un-fluted.

* It bears serial number 2652i, which dates it after mid-1921 when DWM changed to letter suffixed commercial serial numbers. Some authorities believe this new system began with s/n 2001i, noting that this would seamlessly progress from the end of 5-digit numbering at 92000. On the other hand, Gortz & Sturgess opine that the series begins with s/n 1i, given that pistols with numbers below 2001i are observed. Whatever the case, mine has its number which is somewhat low in the “i” series. The serial number with letter suffix appears at the front of the frame.

* The four numerical digits are stamped on the side of the receiver in military fashion. Accordingly, no number appears on the stop lug.

* Other small parts are stamped with the last two digits in the “commercial” numbering locations. These include the sideplate, takedown latch, trigger, rear toggle, and holdopen. The barrel is not numbered, nor the grip safety, grip panels, front toggle link, breech block, rear toggle pin, sear bar, safety lever, extractor, or firing pin.

I think it's a nice post-WWI DWM Alphabet Commercial; one that is not often seen.

Curl