*Swiss, WW1, Model 06/24 Swiss Military Luger, Made in 1924, Made by Waffenfabrik Bern, with Spare Magazine, 2 Inerts, and Holster made by A. Tinguely Tafers dated 1944, Old Spec Deactivated, Matching Numbers*
This is a 7.65mm caliber with a 120mm (4 3/4″) barrel. It comes complete with a spare magazine, two inerts and Luger leather Hard Case Holster.
Serial number 24486 marked under the trigger and underneath the barrel. 86 on the back below the rear V sight, 486 inside the trigger, 486 and a cross on the left side of the front toggle, 486 on the side plate above the trigger.
Marked on top: “Waffenfabrik Bern” with a Geneva Cross
Marked on the left of the receiver: “+M” – indicating that it was military issue
Marked on the left of the receiver: “P” indicating that it was privatized.
Marked with a “Geneva Cross” on the barrel, on the right side of the receiver by the trigger and on the left side of the front toggle.
Magazines are unmarked.
Switzerland was the first country to adopt the Luger as a service pistol, purchasing them from Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Germany between 1900 and 1914. World War I halted deliveries, prompting the Swiss to start their own production at Waffenfabrik Bern after the war. These Swiss-made Lugers, known to collectors as the Model 06/24, were produced until 1933. Production at Waffenfabrik Bern began with serial number 15,216 in 1918. This particular Luger, with serial number 24,486, falls within the 1924 serial number range of 23,251 to 24,750, as noted in Fred Datig’s The Swiss Variations (1955, p. 49). The “+/M” marking indicates it was initially a military-issue pistol accepted by Colonel Mühlemann, who served as the inspector from 1913 to 1941.
These Lugers could be purchased by their original holders upon retirement from the Swiss military and were marked with a “P” for private ownership. They could also be fully refurbished by the Bern arsenal, which is why many Swiss Lugers are in excellent condition and noted for their high precision.
This model features a hold-open latch and all matching numbers. In the first variation of the Swiss Bern Luger, the side plate matches the DWM model. A slight design change in later production distinguishes the second variation. The polished thumb safety remains “thumb up” for safety, and the word “Geladen” (loaded) on the extractor is retained in German which was controversial since the Swiss speak three different languages and it was never decided which to use so the German was kept. The fine diamond bordered grips are distinctive of the early production models.
The leather hard case holster, dated 1944, is marked “A. Tinguely, Tafers,” a Swiss holster maker. It bears a faint name inside and includes an external magazine pouch.
*Condition*
This is in excellent condition. Deactivated to old spec, it can be stripped and dry fired. The holster is also in very good condition with a lovely patina and the scatches and wear commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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