Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
RARE 1900/06 SWISS TEST SERIES LUGER #V11, ONE OF FIRST 20 (ESTIMATED) PISTOLS ASSEMBLED/SET BY BERN IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DEVELOPING THE 1900/29 LUGER
26-2225 | Cal. 30 Luger. | S# V11.
In 1929, the Bern Factory was asked to develop an alternative to the “too expensive” M1924 then in production. To address that concern, approximately 50 pistols were set aside for review. The first group, numbered from V1-V21, V=Versuch (Test), were based upon previously produced pistols such as the DWM M1899/1900, M1900, and M1906. Examples of each are pictured and described in the “Parabellum” book by Vittorio Bobba. The balance of the group, from V18-V51 are considered the pre-series of the new Model 1929. As one might expect from a series of experimental pistols, differences often exist between individual samples, giving each of these guns a unique identity. V11 is based upon a M1906 DWM Luger with the typical 4.75″ tapered barrel with drift adjustable sight, Cross-in-Sunburst over chamber, an intertwined DWM on the forward toggle link, the classic three-quarter circle wide trigger, takedown lever with checkered head, the ergonomic protrusion on the front strap, safety lever with small fluted head, lanyard on rear frame, and uniformly fine-checkered walnut grips. The majority of the parts are numbered “22”, including the barrel extension, takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, breech block, front toggle link, grip safety, and each of the grip panels. The remaining parts are largely marked “V11” including the barrel, left side of frame, and the rear toggle link. Firing pin, rear toggle pin and the hold open lever are unnumbered as typical for these pistols. No noted import marks. Major components rust blued, small parts strawed with fire blued grip screws. MAGS: x1 standard Swiss M1900/M1906 mag. with unnumbered tin body and wood plug with aluminum discs. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of John Eckert. (26-2225/LMA). STATUS: CURIO.
