Swiss Bern & Holster

This is a transitional 1924/29 Swiss Model Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern on license from the DWM. It is 9mm barrel with the 120mm standard classic barrel. These were to be military models featuring no stock lug and distinctive grips. It comes with a 1942 military holster which is in good condition plus and extra magazine. It has the squeeze grip safety and the thumb safety. The extractor is marked "Geladen". (1389)

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This is a civilian model of the transitional model between the 1906 and 1929 Swiss. The fact it is in 9mm makes it a highly coveted and infrequently encountered in the Swiss Series. The long sear, and Type 3 straw blued thumb safety from the early models appears strange with the new toggles and modern locking lever.


Under the barrel is the Swiss Cross Proof for firing and testing. The three final digits of the serial number appear on the side place and grip safety while two digits appear on the rear toggle link. The Swiss retained the wide grip of the 1900 model on their produced Lugers.

In 1928 the 3rd variation of the '06 W+F was undertaken with the immersion bluing of the internal parts, the simplified side plate. The cost of production was becoming and increasing factor in the acquisition of the Parabellum and the Swiss set about the reduce the costs by more modifications to produce the 1929 Model.

The 1929 modifications were many; all the knurling on the metal parts (toggle grips, magazine release, locking bolt, safety lever) were eliminated, the grip safety was lengthened and the machining of the side plate and breach block was simplified. The design of the frame was modified so that the anterior surface of he grip lost the typical curve on the front bottom and thereby made these guns identifiable immediately as the '29 version.


Note on the barrel there is no "P" (Privat) nor military marks on this 9mm indicating it was probably a special order for an officer. On the barrel is the proof BP of the Bernerprobe. The breach block shows the '06 step down and then curve which was eliminated in the '29 version. Geladen (Loaded) is shown along with the fact there are no numbers on the side of the breachblock.

The Swiss Proof appears on the right side. On the left side there is no serial number on the receiver or locking lever. The trigger assembly is still the '06 design and straw blued.

Above we can see how the new model '29 was being introduced by cutting down the front of receiver to a round rather than the more expensive step as seen in the '06 model on top and the new design of the '29 on the bottom.

The matching serial numbers appear on the frame and around the barrel band. You can also see the number on the bottom of the new side plate.	The magazines were changed from the nickel plating to a polished Chromium-plating and the bottoms were no longer wood but a form of vulcanized rubber to resemble bakalite.

This Luger is all matching numbers and based on the serial number of the gun and the extensive records kept by the Swiss we can learn this frame was produced in 1923. However, with the transition parts it was probably delivered in 1928 built from the early '06 with the addition of the new '29 toggles, locking lever and magazine
	Left: It was common practice to cut the rear sight into a 'U' as opposed to the "V" as the standard on other Lugers. The rear squeeze grip is the '06 wide version and has the traditional look of the classic Luger.

Above Left: W+F often subcontracted out parts and when BKIW (the successor to DWM) reported the cost of the newly designed Model '29 the Swiss decided to stay "in Country" with S.I.G. Neuhausen producing the slide.

Left show the last two digits of the serial number on the 1st toggle link while the number appears on the breach block on the right and the rear toggle. This Luger has the old style firing pin which is unusual as the Swiss were usually quick to adopt that changes by DWM when they improved the ability of the Parabellum.


Also in 1924 a simplified breechblock was introduced without the 'steps' on the side as reflected below. Therefore this Luger was a transitional gun utilizing the original '06 parts but the finishing reflects the guns after #26205 the approximate transition serial number. This transitional has the original '06 breach block.

The handsome grips are original to the gun. In the early versions of the '06 W+F Bern the thumb safety was polished but in 1924 to save money the Swiss began immersion bluing and this resulted in various consequences; one being that the metal and hardening process used for the various parts produced variations of the bluing on the guns. This transition model has the old style straw blued safety and polished safety marking.

The Swiss were mostly trained as ski troops and they wore their side arms both on a strap over the shoulder and on their belts. From the unusual angle of the belt straps it appears this was a cross draw devotee.



This is the standard holster, in excellent condition and marked by the manufacturer F. Gehri, Bern. On the interior appears the name of the soldier including 'Zurich' and a weapon number. Also stamped in the inside flap is a military acceptance stamp with the Geneva Cross and 'K'.

This is a very clean 9mm Swiss from a large Swiss Collector. The interior has been well cared for and it gives one a myriad of various examples of the development of the Swiss Luger with the 1906, 1924 and 1929 revisions reflected in some manner while sold as a commercial version during the transition period.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. If you have any particular picture needed to assist in your buying decision please email josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com with your requests.

LAYAWAYS: Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons. In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed. Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

See Credits, Bibliography, Notices and Disclaimers.

3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it. See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

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