The First Military Luger: Swiss Model 1900 s/n 01

Published on April 27, 2026
Duration: 13:28

This video provides an in-depth look at the Swiss Model 1900 Luger, serial number 01, highlighting its significance as the first mass-produced Luger and the first Luger adopted by a military. The presenter, Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details the pistol's historical context, development from the Borchardt C93, and its adoption process by the Swiss. Specific early features unique to this model, such as the narrow grip safety, manual safety design, and early magazine features, are examined, contrasting them with later iterations. The provenance of this specific serial number 01 example is also discussed, tracing its ownership through notable collectors.

Quick Summary

The Swiss Model 1900 Luger, specifically serial number 01, holds immense historical importance as the first mass-produced Luger pistol and the first to be adopted by a military. Switzerland's adoption in May 1900 followed rigorous testing and modifications, including the crucial addition of a manual safety. This early example showcases rare, un-upgraded features like a narrow grip safety and distinctive magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Swiss Model 1900 Luger S/N 01
  2. 00:04Forgotten Weapons Intro & Landmark Pistol
  3. 00:10Significance of Serial Number 01
  4. 00:20First Mass-Production Luger
  5. 00:25Switzerland: First Military Adopter
  6. 00:38Provenance and Rare Features
  7. 00:46Landmark in Military Small Arms Development
  8. 00:54Impeccable Provenance
  9. 01:00Rare Features of Un-upgraded Guns
  10. 01:12Development from Borchardt C93
  11. 01:23Swiss Competitive Testing Process
  12. 01:40Modifications: Manual Safety
  13. 01:54Field Trials and Adoption (May 1900)
  14. 02:00First Production Batch (May 1901)
  15. 02:15DWM Production Ramp-Up
  16. 02:20Delivery Details: 600 Military + 10 Gifts
  17. 02:38Issuance to Swiss Officers
  18. 02:47Swiss Army Use and Further Orders
  19. 02:59Provenance: Officer to Henk Visser
  20. 03:08Henk Visser's Collection
  21. 03:20Provenance: Jeffrey Sturgis
  22. 03:28Sturgis' Luger Encyclopedia
  23. 03:34Later Ownership and Morphy's
  24. 03:47Close Look: What the Swiss Adopted
  25. 03:51First Military Production Luger Appearance
  26. 03:57Balance of Finish and Service Use
  27. 04:04Honest Service Wear
  28. 04:13Gorgeous Original Blue Finish
  29. 04:18Gold Straw Bluing on Small Parts
  30. 04:24Markings: Serial Number 01
  31. 04:33Primary Serial Number Location
  32. 04:37Markings on Takedown Lever & Mag Release
  33. 04:43Markings on Trigger (Side Plate Off)
  34. 04:47DWM Factory Logo
  35. 04:57Swiss Cross Crest on Chamber
  36. 05:04Swiss Approval Process & Proof Stamps
  37. 05:10Proof Stamps on Toggle, Barrel, Extension
  38. 05:15Blistering Around Proof Stamps
  39. 05:18Skipping Disassembly (Identical to Other Lugers)
  40. 05:21Specific Early Swiss Features
  41. 05:28Narrow Grip Safety
  42. 05:35Manual Safety Switch Details
  43. 05:44Visual Indicator for Safety
  44. 05:48Narrow Trigger
  45. 05:54Distinctive Swiss Magazines: Wood Base Plates
  46. 06:00Metal Discs on Magazines
  47. 06:04Reason for Magazine Design: State of the Gun
  48. 06:10Reflective Plate on Magazine Follower
  49. 06:15Early Flat Magazine Button
  50. 06:23Problem with Flat Magazine Button
  51. 06:28Later Extended Magazine Button Design
  52. 06:34Recess Cutout in Frame for Taller Button
  53. 06:41Original Flat Magazines & No Frame Recess
  54. 06:47Conclusion: Historically Relevant Time Capsule
  55. 06:56First Actual Production Swiss Model 1900 Luger
  56. 07:05Flaws in First Iterations of Firearms
  57. 07:15Learning from Mass Production and Soldier Use
  58. 07:20Luger Was No Exception to Improvements
  59. 07:25First Adopted Iteration and Improvements
  60. 07:32Bulgaria: Second Adopter of Original Pattern
  61. 07:38Iterative Improvements and Commercial Sales
  62. 07:471906 Pattern (New Model Luger)
  63. 07:54Comparison: Old Model vs. New Model
  64. 08:00Significant Improvement: Coil Springs
  65. 08:04Time Capsule of the Very First Luger
  66. 08:08First Production Military Luger
  67. 08:11Recommendation: CN Arsenal Video
  68. 08:18Comparison with Later Model 1900 Swiss Guns
  69. 08:23Thanks to Morphy's for Access
  70. 08:27Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Swiss Model 1900 Luger significant in firearm history?

The Swiss Model 1900 Luger is highly significant as it was the first Luger pistol adopted by a military force, making Switzerland the first country to officially use the design. Furthermore, this specific pistol, serial number 01, represents the very first unit produced in the initial mass-production run of Lugers.

How did the Swiss adopt the Luger pistol?

The Swiss adopted the Luger after extensive competitive testing against other semi-automatic pistols. The Luger consistently scored higher in evaluations of accuracy, reliability, and ease of disassembly. Following trials and modifications, including the addition of a manual safety, the Swiss formally adopted the pistol in May 1900.

What are some unique features of the early Swiss Model 1900 Luger, like serial number 01?

Early Swiss Model 1900 Lugers, particularly serial number 01, often retain features that were later improved. These include a narrow grip safety, a narrow trigger, and distinctive magazines with wood base plates and metal discs. The early magazines also had a flat button, which was later enlarged and required a frame modification.

What is the provenance of the Swiss Model 1900 Luger serial number 01 shown?

This specific Swiss Model 1900 Luger, serial number 01, has a notable provenance. It was issued to a Swiss officer, later acquired by collector Henk Visser, and subsequently by Jeffrey Sturgis, author of a comprehensive Luger encyclopedia. It eventually came to Morphy's auction house.

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