A while back a M1902 FAT barrel American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger magazine was offered by a well-known Midwest dealer, Simpson Ltd for the incredible price of $4,995 and per the listing, subsequently sold. This sale generated a lot of buzz in the Luger collecting community with many comments regarding the price with scant attention as to the authenticity of correctness of the subject Cartridge Counter magazine, stating simply that there are fake Cartridge Counter magazines.

Although, further input from a very knowledgeable senior Luger Forums member who commented favorably regarding the correctness of the subject Simpson Ltd Luger Cartridge Counter offering had some additional comments on two fake Cartridge Counter magazines he has encountered: I have only had an opportunity to closely examine two fake CC mags, and another feature I observed was that the slot for the pointer wasn't the correct length on either one. The slot for the counter on an original mag is 100mm long, the same as the slot for the thumb button. 

On the fakes, it was machined to go past the original button staking hole on the left side of the magazine but they didn't go far enough and the slots were 3 to 4mm too short. A minor detail that they (the mechanics) screwed up, but as we know, the devil is in the details. Additionally, the magazine body dimple and corresponding dimple in the rear edge of the magazine follower is hard to replicate and usually a crude mess on repro CC magazines.

Fake Cartridge Counter magazines have been identified as very good attempts to ridiculous, yet does not stop some uninformed buyers from parting with good money.

The two channel, equal length slots in each side of the magazine of a Cartridge Counter magazine body are each approximately 98.4 mm in length. However, the width of the left side pointer slot is slightly wider at 4.2 mm vs the right-side slot narrower width of 3.2 mm. The 1 mm wider width of the added left-side channel slot is to accommodate the 3.75 mm slab sided, horizontally slotted Powell Indicator Device pointer. Pictured is a dimensioned top view of the left side follower, flush mount inlet pointer.

The right-side magazine body slot in a Cartridge Counter magazine to accommodate the Thumb loading button integral shaft is identical in width and length to all M1900/06 Luger magazines. The added, equal length left-side Cartridge Counter magazine body channel slot for the Powell Indicator Device is offset lower on the magazine body by approximately 5.5 mm. The lower placement of the left side channel slot is to facilitate the proper alignment of the pointer to accurately align to the proper number of rounds in the magazine as viewed through the isinglass covered, corresponding slot numbered metal strip 1 through 7 in the left-side wooden grip.

The approximately 2.5 mm diameter staking hole on a standard M1900/06 magazine body is situated on the lower left side and aligns exactly with the right-side slot lower termination. With eight rounds inserted in the Cartridge Counter magazine, the left-side pointer sits approximately 8 mm from the bottom of the slot.

Regarding the above mentioned fake Cartridge Counter magazines, if the comments are correctly interpreted, for the right side pointer channel slot of the fakes to be correctly positioned on the magazine body, especially at the upper termination of the channel, that approximately 4 mm shorter termination at the bottom of the channel still leaves 4 mm of length below the lowest position of the pointer with the maximum eight rounds inserted in the magazine, would not interfere with the proper functioning of the magazine and the "mistake" appears to be of a cosmetic nature.

Although, addressed as a general comment regarding fake Cartridge Counter Luger magazines in the Luger Forums member review, but was left out of the inspection review of the two fake Cartridge Counter magazines were any specific comments regarding the correctness of the obviously fake Graham h. Powell Indicator Device and the aftermarket added magazine body rear wall entrance lip dimple and corresponding follower rear edge machined recess.

The Cartridge Counter Wooden Grips

This is a purely speculative analysis as to the how the DWM tool room engineered the modification of the left side grip to accommodate the Powell Indicator Device. While the external dimensions are easy to determine, it is the internal, unseen dimensions or modifications to the wooden grip that are difficult to ascertain without destroying the grip, hence the speculative approach based on observation, logic and common sense.

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The DWM tool room modification of a typical M1900/06 walnut wooden grip to accommodate the Graham h. Powell Indicator Device involved only the left side wooden grip. To fit, i.e., display the pointer required the addition of a channel slot into the wooden grip. As viewed internally, the typical channel slot dimensions are 77 mm long x 3.5 mm wide. The external or outside dimensions are conspicuously different, being 79.5 mm long x 7.5 mm wide, with tapered edges being 4 mm wider, measured at the narrow width at the lower isinglass surface. The longer length and especially the 4 mm wider width was for the addition of a step or recessed ledge on the rearward edge of the channel to affix an approximately 4 mm wide, numbered 1 through 7 very thin metal strip to the recessed ledge.

The exact width of the metal strip is unknown as the rearward edge is suspected to slide/slip in a slot milled into the rearward recessed step. The depth of the rearward edge channel, recessed step had to be deep enough also to accommodate the thickness of the metal strip and the isinglass cover. The thickness of the isinglass, not including the very thin metal strip thickness, is approximately 1.2 mm. This was determined by using the overall thickness of the wooden grip of 7.2 mm, measuring the depth of the internal channel to the underside isinglass surface and measuring the external or outside channel depth to the isinglass top surface and subtracting the totals against the overall grip width.

The calculated 1.18 mm thick isinglass strip was probably inserted in the front channel slot opening by gently pushing it in place by first inserting it completely under rearward recessed lip until the strip seated in the channel (for animation, click here), then gently sliding it forward until it slips into the forward lip. The last step was to insert a very small 2 mm diameter x approximately 3.5 mm deep wooden plug in a pre-drilled hole in the inside of the grip at the top, located just above and to the left of the channel slot that, when seated, rested firmly against the isinglass.

A recent February 2021 conversation with Bob Simpson of Simpson Ltd who stated that actually, the subject $4,995 Cartridge Counter Luger magazine was "lost" and that they just added "sold" to the listing. A bizarre "Whale of a Tail" story. As of February 2021, Simpson was also advertising a reproduction Cartridge Counter magazine C29790 for $810. I asked why he knows it's a reproduction and he said because the rear entrance lip of the magazine body lacks a "dimple".

I asked if he could provide me with some additional pictures of the reproduction Cartridge Counter follower, specifically with two 9mm rounds in the magazine, which would depress the follower down into the magazine, enough to where one could see a left side frontal of the complete pointer in the magazine channel. Interestingly, he also stated that he could not locate the reproduction Cartridge Counter magazine i.e., it is also lost. Apparently, he found the "lost" reproduction Cartridge Counter magazine, as a few days later he posted two additional pictures. For more information on Simpson Ltd past history regarding M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger magazines, click here.

There is a 99% certainty that the Simpson Ltd. $4,995 Cartridge Counter magazine is OK, i.e., authentic, however, it appears that the magazine wooden bottom has been removed, for whatever reason, as the retaining pin edges should be tempered blue, not bright white as is the $4,995 Simpson Cartridge Counter magazine. To further expand on the wooden bottom retainer pin edge, white appearance is that it is additionally unusual, based on the near mint condition of the magazine body that the pin did not retain its original tempered blue appearance, indicating at a minimum, a possible replacement pin. This observation requires a further explanation.

The Basics of a M1902 Luger FAT barrel Cartridge Counter magazine

For clarity, pictured are left and right-side views of the most commonly encountered pre-WW1 Luger magazines.

A correct Cartridge Counter Luger follower magazine will have dimple in the rear flat entrance lip of the magazine body, along with a corresponding centered, machined recess in the rear edge of the follower. These two modifications were done by the DWM tool room, possibly to existing production Luger magazines and are purportedly, totally non-functional to the operation of the magazine and pistol. Pictured are four, numbered close-up views of the subject LOB Cartridge Counter follower and magazine.

A reasonable conclusion is that these features were added, apparently, in the anticipation of failure, specifically in anticipation of a failure of the follower, so that when replacing a damaged follower, a standard follower without the machined recess wouldn't work, not allowing the follower to properly seat. For an alternate theory for the purpose of the magazine body dimple and rear edge follower machined recess, click here.

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The circular metal discs added to each side of the wooden bottom were simply to assure that the Cartridge Counter magazines were only to be used with a M1902 late Old Model production, short frame^[1] Cartridge Counter Luger of which the upper portion of the left side frame grip channel wall was also modified by removing metal by the DWM tool room in order to accept the full insertion of the Cartridge Counter magazine. View 1, View 2. It should be noted that the 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers were not the first to use the newly designed, late Old Model production short receiver and 129 mm length frame with wide trigger guard, chambered for the straight wall 9mm round. There are other earlier serial numbered, late old model 129 mm short frame Lugers, namely the misidentified "Danzig" Test Lugers, except barreled and chambered for the bottleneck 7.65 mm or .30 Cal round. It has been suggested that the Danzig frames were cut-back Old Model frames as evidenced by the Old Model rounded frame front contour, however, this is not the case with Danzig Test Luger 22350 as it is a 129 mm true short frame with no contour in front of the trigger guard.

Purportedly, as stated above, regarding the Cartridge Counter magazines, the wooden bottom metal discs were added so as indicate that magazines are for use with the Cartridge Counter Lugers only and not specifically to identify the magazine as a 9mm. Furthermore, except for the modified follower and added left side channel slot for the pointer, the magazine is indistinguishable from the plain wooden bottom, .30 Cal magazines, except for the new design Model 1904 shallow feedway entrance lip, which if all else fails, is a true, stand-alone indicator of an original, authentic Cartridge Counter magazine.

Specifically, an original Cartridge Counter magazine in profile should exhibit a very shallow exit lip contour, forward of the crimped side walls that hold/cradle the 9mm cartridge round. Per TBLAP, volume 3, Chapter 19 - Accessories, page 1279, Figure 19-147 details the dimensional changes from the Old Model magazines in relation to the new 9mm round. Figure 19-148 on page 1280 with photographs of actual magazines, clearly shows the changes to the feedway cutaway and the slight decrease in overall height of the 9mm magazine body.

These changes are clearly evident on other identified 9mm magazines, particularly Cal 9 m/m wooden bottom magazines of which all examined examples, to be authentic, should have the shallow feedway cutaway entrance. Other examples are the German Navy P04 magazines concentric circle wooden bottoms, with or without Cal 9 m/m markings and Portuguese Navy New Model grip safety contract Lugers delivered with Cal 9 m/m marked wooden bottom magazines.

Apparently, the reason for metal discs in the wooden bottoms of the Cartridge Counter magazines, generally interpreted by collectors and some authors to identify the magazine for use with the Cartridge Counter Lugers only, is not completely accurate. For years 10028B, a 4-3/4 inch 9mm Old Model Fat barrel prototype Luger in the collection was acquired with a magazine with a wooden bottom with metal discs inserts was initially thought to be an incorrect, mismatched Swiss magazine based on the 10028B rear link Swiss style circular added notch, however, after further examination it was determined to be an original Model 1904, 9mm magazine with the shallow cut entrance feedway, thereby making the magazine original to 10028B and confirming that the metal discs in this case, indicating that the magazine was indeed a Model 1904, 9mm with 10028B possibly being unofficially submitted by DWM to the Swiss for testing in the same time frame 10030B was submitted to the U.S. Army as noted below. Interestingly, there are several other 10000B, Old Model 9mm prototypes assumed to be fitted with correct Model 1904 9mm magazines, but with plain wooden bottoms, leaves 10028B with the only Model 1904 magazine example so configured with the wooden bottom metal discs, similar to the Cartridge Counter Luger magazines, and the 30 Cal Old and New Model Swiss Ordinance Lugers.

The Cartridge Counter Luger Pistol, magazine and the Swiss Connection

The identity of the 10028B magazine with wooden bottom circular metal inserts being specifically for the 9mm cartridge, completes the discussion about these 9mm magazine variants that started 63 years ago in 1958 in the Fred A. Datig publication titled: The Luger Pistol, ©1958 where, in discussing the examination of two Cartridge Counter Lugers and their magazines on page 246 makes the following comments: It is interesting to note that of the two specimens encountered, both having spare magazines, all of the four magazines were of the Swiss type (with the small circular metal disc imbedded into the wooden bottom piece). We might gather from this that the "Cartridge Counter" modification was either specially ordered by the Swiss or was so modified after being received into that country.

Another possibility, considering the above discussion, is while the identically 4-3/4 inch fat barrel configured 10030B was one of three prototype 9mm Lugers submitted May 1903, prior to the April 1904 submitted 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers, to the U.S. Army for consideration, 10028B, although undocumented could have been informally, in the same 1903 time frame, submitted to the Swiss military for evaluation. It also should be pointed out that in addition, that while serial number of 10028B precedes 10030B chronologically, 10028B also sports a second issue Thumb Safety with a hatched pattern grasping surface, while 10030B has the third and final variation Thumb Safety with a fluted pattern grasping surface, representing the 10000 series transition of Thumb Safeties.

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The final and most intriguing example is the earliest known serial numbered GL logo, New Model 9 mm prototype Luger 10051B. 10051B was acquired with a GL logo marked, plain wooden bottom magazine. Examination of that magazine determined that it was also the new Model 1904 design magazine with the shallow cut entrance feedway. The conclusion being the most convincing method to date of identifying a true, authentic M1900/06 Cal 9mm magazine, designated by the blueprint drawing as a Model 1904, is via the magazine body, new design shallow feedway entrance, and the approximate 1 mm shortened height of the magazine body, modified by Luger specifically to accommodate the new, straight wall 9 mm round.

This alternate method of identification will work with the Cartridge Counter magazines, irrespective of other methods of authentication, the Cal 9 m/m marked wooden bottom magazines and any other Old Model magazines. Note, it would be difficult to replicate this feature as one would have to add material, not remove. Pictured are examples of the Old Model magazines vs. the Model 1904 magazines.

The most significant feature of a Cartridge Counter magazine is the addition of a pointer to the left side of the magazine follower. The pointer had to be flush to the follower edge, requiring a slot or angled channel being machined in the left side wall of the follower, where the upper termination of the basically flat pointer seated flush with the follower surface. The left-side added follower pointer was anchored at the middle by staking the end of the integral shaft of the Thumb button, same as a regular, unmodified follower. This single-point method of retention with the follower button and the upper slot for the upper termination of the pointer solved the issue of securely anchoring the pointer to the follower.

That the designer Georg Luger anticipated failure is possibly political in origin as this ill-conceived pointer request was "hoisted upon" Luger and DWM by Graham h. Powell who requested this method utilizing his design, to determine the amount of 9mm rounds remaining in the magazine. Since Luger and DWM were seeking a large contract with the U.S. Army, it appears they reluctantly complied. An issue that DWM and Luger later attempted to partially resolve with the New Model Luger extractor, while not indicating the remaining rounds, did indicate if a round was chambered.

I acquired an M1902 American Eagle Luger Cartridge Counter (CC) magazine from ^†Doug Smith of F.G.S. Inc. 24 years ago, as of this writing, at the April 1997 Hollywood Park Gun Show in Inglewood, California. The discussion regarding this original, near mint Cartridge Counter magazine acquisition started in Stuttgart, Germany a couple of weeks earlier with Bob Simpson, ^†Doug Smith and myself. ^†Doug Smith claims he had the CC for about seven years (1990) and obtained it from a Tom Nelson who said it came from the Alexander Montgomery Collection. The Montgomery main collection had been sold off long ago but Nelson, who knew Montgomery, obtained the balance of his collection about 1990, which included the subject cartridge counter magazine.

Regarding the Cartridge Counter magazine that Bob Simpson's son Brad sold earlier that year for the incredible sum of $4,000, Smith said that Simpson had not paid anything for the magazine because it came with an M1900 American Eagle Luger by accident.

The Smith story seemed plausible at first but after examining my Cartridge Counter magazine in great detail and in an attempt to insert the magazine into the grip of an M1900 Luger, it didn't fit...because the horizontally slotted indicating device mounted on the left side of the follower that protrudes through the added left side magazine body follower pointer slot will pass through the frame metal grip bottom, but interferes or hits the wood interior of the left grip. With the left side wooden grip removed the magazine can be inserted further, but only until the pointer hits the upper metal frame portion of the grip. This made it impossible for Simpson to obtain the magazine in the manner described by ^†Doug Smith, i.e., it may have been part of the transaction, but the magazine did not come inserted in the grip of a M1900 Luger.

Back to The Future

This is not the end of the story of the provenance of the ^†Doug Smith acquired Cartridge Counter magazine as one must fast forward to 2021. In the process of writing this article, a search was made of all the identified and most importantly, published pictures of identified Cartridge Counter Lugers and magazines, mostly located through many book publications and auction catalogs in the collection. Of the 50 manufactured Cartridge Counter Lugers, I managed to clearly identify, by actual photographs, about half of the "recorded" Cartridge Counter Lugers, including other heretofore unrecorded examples.

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In perusing an obscure 1993 Butterflied & Butterfield Auction catalog a Cartridge Counter Luger offering from The Press Collection was pictured and described. The serial number was 22431. A color picture of the left-side of the pistol was shown along with separate left-side picture of the Cartridge Counter magazine. The text description said the magazine appeared to be period original to the pistol. The magazine looked familiar and after a detailed examination and comparing it against my 1997 ^†Doug Smith Cartridge Counter magazine acquisition, I came to the startling conclusion that they were identical, being the same magazine, based on strategically located, minor corrosion patterns.

Since there were only 100 unmarked Cartridge Counter Luger magazines made, the odds of identifying one being associated with a specific serial numbered CC pistol, with a published color picture of that pistol is infinitesimally small. This puts to rest the ^†Doug Smith story of the provenance of the subject Cartridge Counter Luger magazine and creates another mystery how did the subject Cartridge Counter magazine get separated from 22431, assumedly after its sale in 1993, only to reappear in 1997 is unknown, ergo, too many scenarios to contemplate. There are two conclusions to this story: 1) collecting is fun and, 2) don't throw away anything.

The Magazine

Presented is ^†Jan Still's excellent description of the workings of the CC magazine in his book IMPERIAL LUGERS 1991, page 210. The following are page 210 excerpts of his description of the modifications to the magazine, the left wooden grip and to the M1902 short frame.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Cartridge counter grips and magazine. The left grip was slotted to accommodate a metal strip painted with the numbers 1 to 7. The strip and slot were covered with a clear materiel (isinglass) The magazine had a narrow slot cut in its left side to accommodate a follower that was situated so it points to the number on the metal strip in the grip that indicates the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine. The magazine has a metal insert in its wooden base and is unmarked. Materiel was removed in the upper left frame channel so that the added magazine follower(pointer)could travel to near the magazine/frame top. Installation of the Powell indicating device required modifications to the left side of the magazine, frame and grip. The clear material covering the slot has been variously identified as mica, celluloid, or isinglass. The latter is correct.

The Land of Borchardt in 1997 acquired a spare M1904 Cartridge Counter magazine in excellent condition. The ends of the blued steel pin securing the wooden bottom to the magazine body shows no evidence of being removed since initial magazine manufacture or since "modification"^[2] by DWM to install the G.H. Powell designed Cartridge Counter magazine indicating pointer device.

Further inspection of the magazine shows the follower was modified by machining out a slot on the left side of the follower body, 1/2 the thickness of the follower wall and the full height of the follower. A piece of metal, slightly longer than the follower was machined, with an integral, horizontally slotted circular pointer on the bottom of this single strip of metal. The horizontally slotted integral circular pointer has two opposing flat sides to correspond with the edges of the added slot to the left side of the magazine body. Pictured is a dimensioned line drawing of the single piece pointer assembly with affixed, opposite side, cross hatched pattern, stepped dome Thumb loading button.

This metal strip, with the integral pointer with the horizontal alignment slot was then installed in the machined-out slot of the follower. The fit of the metal strip into the follower is flush with the top and side of the follower slot, extends below the bottom of the follower body with the pointer and was very professionally done in the DWM tool room, similar to the tight fit of the Great Pyramid blocks. The circular pointer is 2.25 mm high and sticks out of the slot in the magazine body about 1 mm.

It is more difficult to see the cuts on the side of the follower than the top of the follower, since they coincidentally align with the edges of the added magazine body slot and since the left side of the follower was "blued" or tempered blue/black. Just above the integral pointer, on the added metal strip, can be seen the flush peened/staked shaft end of the domed follower button. The domed follower button has not been relocated or the shaft lengthened, only the manner of peening/staking it as described above.

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Obviously, with the added slot in the magazine body the circular tool hole in the lower left side of the magazine body was not needed to peen/stake the domed follower button shaft end to the follower body and since the magazine, in all probability, if it was a new design Model 1904 shallow feed ramp entrance magazine and of recent new manufacture, the 2.50mm hole simply disappeared when the 3.9mm wide by 98.4mm long slot was added to the left side, which is the same length as the existing right side slot, but positioned 5 mm lower on the magazine body.

The follower button shaft going through both the main body of the follower and the added slot, then peened/staked, acts to secure the metal strip/pointer, in tension and shear, to the main follower body. Since there is no structural load to the added metal strip and pointer, the retention method used is quite adequate. This modification to the follower should be looked at very closely when examining a cartridge counter magazine as the fakes are usually cruder on this modification.

Another modification to the magazine, which is not usually visible in left and right-side profile photos of these Cartridge Counter magazines, is a peculiar dimple or indent in the rear magazine spine at the top, curved entrance and a corresponding dimple or corresponding machined recess or groove in the rear edge of the follower.

It should be noted that as of 1997 the mechanics of the Cartridge Counter magazine was only first generally discussed in a 1993 publication titled: U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920 by E. Scott Meadows on pages 238, 379 with no mention of a magazine body rear wall entrance lip dimple. It wasn't until the 2010-2011 first, three-set book publication titled Pistole Parabellum by ^†Görtz/Sturgess who described the Cartridge Counter magazine in greater detail, discussing the dimple and his/their theory as to its purpose in volume 1 on pages 212, 214 detailed below.

The magazine, if genuine, since regrettably this Parabellum variant has been the subject of faking in the past, has an indentation approximately 3 mm long at the top of its rear spine with a corresponding groove in the rear face of the magazine follower which mates with this. This feature has no function at all in the operation of pistol or indicator; it serves solely to prevent inadvertent replacement of the special follower during repair with a standard pattern without the indicator peg, which will jam on the rear wall indentation before reaching the magazine lips.

If this was the purpose of the magazine rear wall inside bulge to prevent someone from putting in the wrong follower, as stated by Sturgess, then why wouldn't the designer have put the bulge at the bottom of the magazine body, making it impossible to even put an incorrect follower into the magazine at all. Since, as Sturgess unwittingly argues against himself, it is exactly the jamming issue, which is caused by the rear wall of the follower riding over the magazine entrance lip sloped protuberance, that an incorrectly installed follower is pushed upward and forward, resulting in the binding of a standard, unmodified follower against the forward curved magazine wall.

It is ironically, this predicted binding situation that augers against the Sturgess stated purpose of the bulge and corresponding recess in the follower rear wall to prevent the incorrect insertion of an unmodified follower, it doesn't, which leads us back to the real reason for the magazine inside rear wall entrance lip sloped protuberance, which is explained below.

Another approach to further explain the issue, is that with the location of the bulge at the top of the magazine, an incorrect follower could be installed, along with the wooden bottom with spring, which would compress slightly more without effort, could be inserted and the wooden bottom installed, anchored to the magazine bottom with the pin, while not being aware that the follower was seated/stuck just below or possibly, slightly higher into the spine or rear wall "bulge", it isn't until, in the attempt to load the magazine does the incorrectly installed standard unmodified, jammed follower reveal itself.

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Alternate Theory or the Battle of the Bulge,

The external magazine indent in the rear magazine wall entrance lip, sometimes referred to as a bulge, in actuality, is a sloped protuberance on the inside rear wall of the magazine, located exactly at the rear wall, semi-circular cut entrance lip, which engages the upper cartridge rim edge, functions to give the rising or exiting cartridge a forward "push or assist", thereby guarantying a positive engagement of the cartridge rim by the underside breechblock leading lower edge, propelling the cartridge forward into the magazine feed ramp and into the chamber.

Modified Cartridge Counter magazine with bulge in rear magazine wall

Here is an animation that shows the cycling of rounds through the bulge of the Cartridge Counter magazine. Watching the animation, you notice that the round cannot be propelled into the chamber, it must be stripped off by the breechblock. The top of the magazine walls curl in to capture the cartridges and keep them from falling out or being pushed out by the spring in the magazine body. Therefore, the cartridge is pushed up to under the breechblock and then a little further as the breechblock recoils so that the round is ready to be picked up by the breechblock as it comes forward.

The added forward position of about 1 m/m enabled by the added dimple, viewed externally or alternately, viewed internally as a protruding, sloped protuberance, thought needed because of the heavier 9mm cartridge and since these 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers are the first short frame 9 mm manufactured FAT barrel Lugers, possibly associated with feeding problems. Although, there are a few reported commercial FAT barrel Lugers, with lower serial numbers, of dubious authenticity, made before the 50 Cartridge Counter series, however, the bulk of the higher serial numbered American Eagle commercial 9mm FAT barrel Lugers were manufactured later.

This rear wall magazine internal bulge and corresponding magazine follower machined rear recess in relation to the magazine is ironically associated with the cycling of ammunition through the magazine, starts with a machined recess or scallop in the gripstrap rear wall entrance. This curved recess or scallop is required for clearance for the top edge or rim of the first cartridge in the magazine cradle, which extends slightly above and beyond the magazine rear wall. Without this machined recess in the gripstrap rear entrance wall, the insertion of a loaded magazine would be more difficult, with a proclivity to bind or jam.

Coincidently, this rear gripstrap wall entrance machined recess isn't unique to the Cartridge Counter Lugers as this machined recess is on all 1900 Old Model Lugers as the cartridge rim of the 7.65mm bottle neck round, being identical in diameter to the 9mm round, had the same issue. Pictured are the rear gripstrap entrance of 1898 Borchardt Luger 5, 1899 Borchardt Luger 23 and M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22414 showing the progression of this feature. The gripstrap rear wall entrance of the twenty Swiss Test Trials Borchardt Lugers have a barely discernable wide, shallow depth scallop, which was made narrower and deeper in the Old Model production Lugers.

Interestingly, once the fully loaded magazine is inserted into the gripstrap magazine channel, the upper rim of the top round is forced flush to the gripstrap rear wall with the other rounds below it flush against the internal magazine rear wall and maintains that position with the magazine fully inserted. It is after the first round is manually chambered and fired that the next in line, spring propelled round will be pushed slightly forward by the effects of the bulge.

Therefore, with the positioning of the first cartridge further to the rear in the magazine did not have an issue of chambering, as the first round was chambered by manually pulling back the toggle knobs to their rearmost extension, engaging the breechblock lower leading edge and releasing, propelling the first cartridge round into the barrel chamber. It is the next and successive rounds that required the boost provided by the rear magazine internal wall exit bulge to effect positive chambering.

Another issue regarding the chambering and cycling required the modification of the magazine exit cradle/lip, which had to be modified to accommodate the straight wall cartridge and larger diameter 9 mm round. For more detail see TBLAP V3, C19 Fig. 19-147 and TBLAP V3, C19 magazine design change and Fig. 19-148. Since the circa Model 1904 redesigned entrance lip magazine was used with the Cartridge Counter Luger, making it the second Luger variation to use the new 9mm round in the first quasi-production, Short Frame Cartridge Counter Lugers, with the first Lugers to utilize the Model 1904 redesigned magazine, being the 10000B, 9 mm, circa 1903 Old Model Long Frame prototype series Lugers.

Note that while the Old Model, long frame 10000B prototype 9 mm Lugers, presented to the U.S. Army in 1903 for evaluation, specifically 10030B and 10031B that there is no Army data or test reports suggesting cycling or feeding issues in the U.S. Army testing of the 10000B prototype Lugers, resulting in the subsequent request for 50, 9 mm Lugers for further tests. Circa 1903 prototype 9 mm Luger 10028B is identical to U.S. Army tested 10030B was possibly, concurrently tested by the Swiss military. For more information on 10028B, click here.

How much or fast the exiting cartridge is pushed forward by engaging the internal Cartridge Counter magazine channel rear wall, sloped bulge depends on the strength of the force of the coiled magazine spring and resulting, instant upper acceleration or velocity of pushing the cartridges up the magazine channel, but it seems substantial, at least initially, as with eight rounds loaded, the magazine spring is in full compression. As each cartridge moves up the magazine channel and with the spring releasing its energy, not being a linear function, the upward force is somewhat diminished as the last cartridge is expended.

This issue of how fast the exiting cartridge is pushed forward is compounded by the fact, as stated earlier, that the weight of the new 9 mm round is 12 grams vs. the 10-gram weight of a 7.65 mm bottle neck cartridge round, being about 20% heaver. Considering a loaded 8 round magazine of 9 mm cartridges means an additional 20% or 16 grams of weight, which has to be a contributing factor in the ability of the purportedly, unmodified original magazine coil spring to properly function throughout the cycle. This 20% increased weight does not include the additional weight of the added pointer inlet into the left side of the magazine follower, although miniscule and somewhat neutralized by the removal of metal at the follower rear wall.

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The magazine body rear wall curved entrance lip, internal sloped bulge and corresponding indent in the rear edge of the follower, assumed by collectors, to be merely for noninterference with the internal magazine bulge. Apparently, this specific pointer unrelated modification, apparently considered ineffective, became unnecessary, as this limited series of Cartridge Counter Luger magazines were the only ones so modified.

Additionally, with many rounds expended through a Cartridge Counter Luger during the U.S. Army test program, one would expect to see some Luger Cartridge Counter magazines with the internal, rear wall entrance lip bulge severely worn down, if not completely worn through.

Pictured are three top views, numbered 1, 2, 3, inserted in the 22414 frame with a caliber 9 mm, eight round, fully loaded Cartridge Counter magazine inserted.

1. Note that the top cartridge is deliberately moved forward to see the positioning of the next-in-line cartridge with the top rear edge rim portion resting against the magazine body rear wall, deliberately just below or under the bulge.
2. A static view of the positioning of the cartridge in the Cartridge Counter magazine.
3. Static view of the cartridge positioned in a standard M1900 Old Model magazine.

The distance of the pictured upper cartridge in view 1 was manually moved forward for visibility of the next cartridge in queue is arbitrary and doesn't represent the actual distance resulting in the effects of the bulge, which is very interesting as it was impossible for the designer, G. Luger to know exactly how much, being an internal function, the bulge propelled the cartridge forward, if at all, to get or effect the desired results/benefits, without much experimentation, assumed to be a goal of a complete functioning, no-jamming, cycling operation.

The reason for the above discussed modifications to the rear gripstrap wall entrance indent and the cartridge Counter magazine rear wall entrance internal bulge and corresponding follower machined recess were required because of the 55.5⁰ grip angle, with the loaded magazine rounds being inserted in the magazine, parallel to the upper frame receiver and barrel. Which, because of the angle, created the rear upper portion of the top cartridge rim to protrude beyond the rear wall of the magazine, while the upper rim of the remainder of the cartridges contacted the magazine internal rear wall as they cycled up the magazine.

The above discussion could be considered hyperbole by an over active mind regarding the modified Cartridge Counter magazine body rear wall, inside upper lip sloped bulge and corresponding magazine follower rear edge machined recess, as the changes discussed has been stated by at least one author to be non-functional, however, the changes cited did/do have an effect, apparently considered negligible, as not mentioned in any records or notes by the designer, on the cartridges, even though it is undeniable that they do encounter the bulge.

Interestingly, as stated by Sturgess in The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols 2011-2012 that: This feature (bulge) has no function at all in the operation of pistol or indicator; it serves solely to prevent inadvertent replacement of the special follower during repair with a standard pattern without the indicator peg, which will jam on the rear wall indentation before reaching the magazine cradle or lips. This statement by Sturgess that the bulge was solely to prevent inadvertent replacement of an unmodified follower during repair is invalid because to actually prevent the insertion of an unmodified follower, the more practical location of the magazine rear wall bulge would be at the lower end of the magazine body rear wall, not at the top end. However, if the bulge was located at any other location along the rear magazine wall, a 9mm cartridge would jam in the magazine body and not pass over the bulge. By having the bulge at the top end of the rear wall, it actually propels the cartridge forward out of the magazine body and into the receiver well. Perhaps this was a modification to try and alleviate the jamming issue that was prevalent in these magazines.

In Pistole Parabellum the first book set published, in Volume 3, page 1714, chapter 57, page 1714 titled Luger Addresses the Caliber Issue Sturgess makes the following statement in regarding the U.S. Army testing summary of the 1904 Cartridge Counter Luger: The Cavalry Board, which had been conducting part of the trial of the 7.65mm pistols, for which these had been exchanged, met in July, 1904 and the Field Artillery Board met in September, both reporting negatively and focusing on misfiring and jams, which indicates problems with the 9mm ammunition supplied for this trial, and most importantly, to the fact that Luger and DWM had still had not ironed out the problems with the new caliber, or with its operation in the Parabellum action, when these pistols and cartridges were shipped in March, 1904.

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A Jamming Session

An example, possibly associated with the misfiring and/or jams encountered during the U.S. Army test program can be seen in Cartridge Counter Luger 22411 where damage occurred to the Cartridge Counter forward magazine shallow feedway cut-out as evidenced by an impact depression of an apparently, improperly positioned or faulty 9mm round, against the inside magazine edge wall and accompanying distortion on the magazine exit tip.

Modified Cartridge Counter magazine damaged due to misfeed

The damage to the magazine could have been worse if not for the fact the magazine forward curved edge rested against the forward gripstrap frame wall, just below the frame feed ramp, which is the normal seating position of the Model 1904 magazine at full insertion. This is intentional by design and is to provide complete support of the relatively thin wall, sheet metal construction of the magazine body, which didn't always succeed.

It is difficult to determine if the damage was the result of a single incident or whether the round continued to be propelled into the chamber or the impact resulted in a jam or misfire. This type of damage or problem had been dogging DWM and Luger since the beginning of Old Model production, as evidenced in three early production .30 Cal flat follower button magazines in the collection with basically the identical damage.

Another interesting, but subtle observation when comparing Cartridge Counter magazine 22411 against 22431 magazine is the differences in the followers machining, which is the slight differences in the addition of the pointer to the left side of the follower where the top left edge of the follower and inserted pointer has a slight step or chamfer, while the same area in the 22431-magazine follower does not.

Additionally, the top edge of the 22411 added pointer is decidedly black, where the 22431 added pointer top edge is white metal. There is no doubt that both, similar condition Cartridge Counters are totally authentic and correct, however, suggesting minor machining nuances or inconsistencies in the one-hundred, hand-made Cartridge Counter magazines. With very few examples, these differences tend to make it more difficult or confusing when determining the authenticity of a particular Cartridge Counter magazine. Also, note the slight differences in the magazine rear wall dimple in both examples, where 22431 is the more convincing.

1904 Cartridge Counter Luger feed jam demonstrated.

A fully loaded Cartridge Counter magazine loaded with 8 rounds of deactivated 9mm ammunition was inserted in 1904 Cartridge Counter Luger 22414 where the ammunition was manually cycled through the pistol. The cycling was initially successful by chambering and properly ejecting the first two rounds until the third-round ejection failed. The round remained lower in the magazine as the breechblock only partially completed its cycle where the bottom forward portion of the breechblock failed to completely engage the next round, riding partially over the cartridge until it firmly bound against the cartridge, forcing the bullet end down and further into the magazine curved exit lip.

In examining the jam, it appeared that the third round failed to rise or rise sufficiently to engage the breechblock thereby allowing the breechblock to ride over the cartridge, further forcing the round down back into the magazine, resting against the magazine exit forward curved wall. Pictured is a partial view of the left side of 22414 showing the partially cycled toggle link assembly and the five remaining 9mm rounds in the magazine as indicated by the pointer.

This recreated jamming failure in 22414 pretty much replicates the pictured impact/indent damage to the magazine curved forward exit inside surface, immediately below the distorted edge of the fully inserted Cartridge Counter magazine in Cartridge Counter Luger 22411. Although, the jamming of 22414 was the result of manual cycling and did not damage the fully inserted Cartridge Counter magazine forward curved exit lip in 22414, however, the actual energy experienced in live firing would have caused the damage to the 22411 inserted Cartridge Counter magazine. It should be noted that static manual cycling vs. the live firing cycle, the, upward energy of the magazine compressed spring remains constant in either static or dynamic situation in the cycle.

An inspection of other 9mm fat barrel Lugers in the collection revealed another possible jamming issue. The barrel feed ramp of a very low series 22000 serial number fat barrel Luger that preceded the Cartridge Counter Lugers showed damage from multiple impact indentations. These barrel feed ramp indents are the result of a failed ejection of a spent cartridge. The forward lip edge of the brass cartridge forcibly impacted the barrel feed ramp thus damaging it. See animation of the failure below.

Note that animation 1 is of an unmodified M1904, 9 mm magazine without the bulge in the magazine body, not for a Cartridge Counter Luger. The failure illustrated in the animation is the same as for the modified Cartridge Counter magazines with the added bulge. This shows that the added bulge did not solve the feeding/jamming issue. Additionally, the failure demonstrated in the animations can occur in any FAT barrel Luger Cartridge Counter or commercial without visible damage to the barrel feed ramp as demonstrated in animation 2.

While no picture of a Cartridge Counter showing damage to a barrel feed ramp is available, the Cartridge Counter Luger jamming/feeding issue is well documented in US Army archives. However, the jamming/feeding issue did or may not have resulted in visible damage or contact impact to the Cartridge Counter barrel feed ramp.

Unmodified M1904 9mm magazine                       Modified Cartridge Counter magazine
     

This is the first instance of actual damage to a fat barrel component, as damage noted to date are to the Cartridge Counter magazines only^[3]. That is not to say that there are no other, non-magazine related feeding issues with the Cartridge Counter Lugers, only that the pictures available of most Cartridge Counter Lugers are generally external. It is of good fortune that the few internal, detail pictures presented herein, being extremely scarce, allowed a cursory analysis, supporting US Army conclusions reached in the 1904 US Army Cartridge Counter Luger Test programs.

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Another interesting aspect was discovered when manually inserting or loading of eight, straight wall 9mm cartridge rounds in the Cartridge Counter magazine, in that the first inserted round does not align or conform to the 55.5-degree angle magazine entrance lip, with the bullet pointing demonstrably higher, due the direct influence of the necessary 60-degree angle of the follower cradle or bed. As the second round is inserted the effect of the 60-degree angle follower cradle is less, though the cartridge still does not conform to the 55.5-degree angle entrance.

It is when that the third round is inserted that the effect of the 60-degree follower cradle is diminished sufficiently that the third inserted round and five subsequent inserted rounds conforms to the 55.5-degree entrance lip. Pictured is a progressive view of the first three inserted rounds in the magazine. When the eight-round magazine is fully inserted in the grip with the Luger in full battery, it takes extra pressure to engage the magazine release button detent. If a fully loaded magazine is inserted in the grip with the toggle link assembly open and not in full battery, the magazine engages the magazine release button detent easier.

When the sixth, seventh and eighth round is striped off the magazine exit cradle, does the approximately 5-degrees higher angle, due to the follower 60-degree cradle exert itself, exerting more upward pressure on the bullet and accompanying additional friction against the bottom of the breechblock, which would create more upward momentum on the cartridge as the rearward propelled breechblock passes over and engages the cartridge rim could result in damage to the barrel feed ramp as illustrated.

The consistency or reliability of the proper cycling of the rounds through the Cartridge Counter magazine could additionally be negatively influenced by the fact that there is no guarantee of proper magazine feed functioning when there is no apparent consistency or proper alignment of the manually inserted rounds in the magazine as evidenced by the eight-round loaded, subject magazine with uneven gaps, positions and angles of some rounds.

Serial number 22414 M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger Magazine

Pictured are multiple views of the "Cartridge Counter" magazine that came with the acquisition of M1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger 22414. The magazine body added left-side channel is mostly identical in dimensions and position to the near mint, unmodified original 22431 Cartridge Counter Luger magazine discussed earlier. The modified magazine that came with Cartridge Counter 22414 utilized a period Model 1904 magazine body, based on the shallow cut entrance feedway, identical and similar in aged appearance to the Model 1904 magazine that came inserted in 10028B, with wooden bottom with correct grasping surface steel discs inserts added and follower which has an aged appearance, that came with 22414, commensurate with the much used, 22414 Cartridge Counter Luger, a result of many rounds expended or cycled, through the Model 1904 9mm magazine, possibly before and after the follower was modified into a Cartridge Counter magazine as 22414, being one of only two documented Cartridge Counter Lugers extensively tested by the U.S. Cavalry in 1904.

Pictured are Model 1904 magazines 10028B and 22414 in a side-by-side comparison and a close-up of the identical, 9mm cartridge round, shallow cut feedways of 10028B and 22414.

A close-up view of the magazine entrance of the 22414 Cartridge Counter magazine indicates differences of the modified follower with added pointer, which is evident when compared to the original, authentic 22431 Cartridge Counter magazine follower-pointer assembly. The 22414-magazine rear wall entrance lip dimple is also different from the 22431 Cartridge Counter magazine. The main difference is in the follower pointer assembly and is apparent as viewed in a line drawing of an original pointer assembly vs the 22414-replacement pointer assembly.

It is the bizarre replacement of the pointer and possibly the follower that is interesting as the "aftermarket" replacement pointer is a three-part assembly vs the two-part assembly of an original. See line drawing comparison of an original pointer vs the replacement. Since the right-side thumb button shaft was loose, made it possible to remove the pointer from the follower assembly for examination of the pointer installation, after removing the magazine wooden bottom. Pictured are multiple views of the aftermarket 22414 Cartridge Counter magazine, albeit crude replacement pointer, along with a line-drawing detailing its assembly.

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Looking at a close-up profile of the right-side magazine entrance with a couple of 9mm rounds inserted reveals an additional modification in the form an added block of metal to the bottom of the follower, which is evident when compared to a normal right-side close-up view of a Cartridge Counter follower. An underside picture of the 22414 follower reveals the nature of the added block of metal that was crudely soldered in place, apparently to repair a damaged follower. This added, contoured block of metal was specifically needed to hold/re-anchor the thumb button shaft to the follower.

As indicated in a standard production follower in the picture is a sometimes-encountered failure of the follower right-side underside support of the Thumb button shaft. The possibility of this type failure could be especially expected in a standard follower, modified to accommodate a Cartridge Counter pointer. Additionally, this type of follower failure, although never encountered or documented before, would not be considered an unusual failure for a Cartridge Counter magazine used extensively in the 1904 U.S. Cavalry Test Trials program.

Since only two M1902 Cartridge Counter Lugers, 22414 and 22425^[4] were documented to be tested by the U.S. Cavalry with purportedly, only one spare Cartridge Counter magazine per pistol, it is quite plausible, due the virtual unavailability of a spare magazine, made necessary for this type of rework to be period or contemporaneously done during the intense, albeit short test program.

Alternately, the 22414 Cartridge Counter magazine could have been a post-test aftermarket concoction as the original 22414 Cartridge Counter magazine was probably destroyed or missing, however, the period condition of the original M1904 magazine body with the aftermarket, poor attempt to replicate the magazine rear wall entrance dimple, it is actually the follower modifications that are way too obvious to fool even the casual Luger collector. Most common and more accurate reproductions were done many years later with the rarity and subsequent meteoric rise in value of the M1904 cartridge Counter Luger and magazines, created the incentive for the mechanics to make fairly acceptable or convincing reproduction magazines.

When they do appear in modern times, they are often in near mint condition and offered for three to four figures. An example is an $810 Cartridge Counter offered by Simpson Limited, wisely described as a reproduction, which looks perfect as first pictured on his web site, but later added pictures clearly shows it to be an aftermarket, possibly pre-1904 magazine body reproduction, lacking the rear magazine wall entrance lip dimple and corresponding, required recess to the rear edge of the follower.

It is these two particular mechanical features, as stated by an advanced, knowledgeable collector at the top of this article that are most difficult to replicate. The added pointer and machined left-side follower recess, required to flush mount the pointer strip is also difficult to add, however, are equally difficult to determine authenticity without removing the follower assembly from the magazine body, which would require removal of the wooden bottom. This would ruin the authenticity, reduce the value and collectability of the otherwise assumed originality of the particular Cartridge Counter magazine.

This brings us to the final issue of the originality of the 22414 Cartridge Counter magazine, being the rear wall entrance lip dimple and corresponding added machined recess of the rear follower edge. Pictured are four Cartridge Counter magazine examples of the dimple, which appear slightly different in the four examples. The Simpson Ltd and LOB 22431 example appear authentic as does the 22433 ^†Jan C. Still example, however, the appearance of the 22433 dimple appears different from the well-defined LOB 22431 associated magazine and Simpson Ltd dimple, closer to the 22414 aftermarket added dimple.

A further test of authenticity or originality is found on the opposite side of the dimple, which is a bulge or sloped perturbance when viewed in profile, described earlier in this article. Unfortunately, the opposite side magazine bulge or sloped protuberance is difficult to see in most pictured examples without lowering the follower to see it. Fortunately, with 22414 and 22431 being in-hand, when lowering the follower, via the thumb button in the magazine channel, one can clearly see the internal bulge or sloped protuberance.

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While the bulge or sloped protuberance is clearly visible in 22431 it is not as visible in 22414, possibly worn flat, i.e. distorted by the cartridge rims of many rounds cycled through the magazine during the 1904 U.S. Cavalry Test Trials. Another clue regarding the application of the dimple is the slight hint of a rectangular depression and or discoloration in the magazine sheet metal, rear wall surrounding the dimple, possibly left by the tool used by DWM to add the dimple. This subtle difference can be missed and may not be evident on other CC magazines, though is clearly noticeable on 22414 ad 22431 magazines.

As stated earlier the condition of the 22414 follower is difficult to explain, where the DWM machined recess to the flat rear follower edge looks to be more of a hatchet job with a gap or crack at the bottom rear, thin wall edge of the follower. The magazine rear wall entrance lip dimple is also suspect. Although, regarding the follower, it could be associated with the overall poor condition of the follower, where it had to be repaired to re-anchor the right-side Thumb button shaft to the follower underside by the addition of a shaped block of metal, crudely soldered in place. This repair could also be due to the weakened left side follower wall, due to the addition of the machined recess required for the flush-mount insertion of the pointer.

In summary, regarding the Cartridge Counter magazine dimple, as externally viewed on/at the magazine rear spine entrance lip, especially viewed in a picture only, is that most Luger collectors have exclusively latched on to that sole feature as a make-or-break item, being the end-all, ultimate factor in determining the authenticity of a Cartridge Counter Luger magazine. With the astronomic rarity and subsequent, ever ascending value in the collector world placed on these magazines, no doubt some creative mechanics have figured out how to apply the dimple, it is therefore, ill advised to solely rely on that particular feature in determining the authenticity of a Cartridge Counter magazine without a detail, in-hand inspection, better yet compared against a known, authenticated example. The only scientific, critical criteria used, to date, by a collector to decide the authenticity of the "dimple" is: Yea, it looks OK to me.

Actually, the dimple is not a dimple, as externally viewed, but a specifically shaped depression with an opposite side sloped protuberance, which when applied, as originally intended by the DWM tool room to 100 modified Model 1904 magazine bodies, is located at the top of the 0.5 mm thin, sheet metal rear wall or magazine spine curved entrance lip. To be specific, the top of the indent is/or terminates flush with the curve entrance lip, so when looking straight down on the magazine entrance one should see the curve of the indent. If the rear wall entrance lip appears/is straight, then according to this theory, the magazine is not a Cartridge Counter magazine.

The impression was applied with a special crimping type tool made by the DWM tool room. This tool could have been in some form of a two-sided dye or cast as the depression cannot be externally applied without deforming the 0.5 mm sheet metal wall thickness, it therefore, has to be applied from both sides under considerable pressure. Furthermore, the externally viewed indent, should be well defined, however, it is the inside wall sloped protuberance that is the functional component, which has to be perfectly shaped with a smooth finish so the cartridge rim can slide past the sloped protuberance with minimal resistance.

Pictured is a crude drawing of a possible crimping type tool used to apply the impression to the magazine rear wall entrance lip. The successful application depends on the malleability of the 0.5 mm, thin wall sheet metal to deform, while maintaining structural integrity of the surrounding metal, requiring proper jigging, as surely there were some failures in the process of perfecting the method of application.

If the sloped protuberance terminated below the entrance lip it would interfere with the smooth transition of the cartridge over the protuberance. The application has to be identical to all 100 made Cartridge Counter magazines to assure consistent functionally and interchangeability, requiring a jigged tool as described above. The purpose of the indent is discussed earlier in the article, however, whatever the purpose, is of little import compared to the fact that it is there.

It interesting to note that all identified, published surviving, stand-alone Cartridge Counter magazines are in excellent to near mint, basically unused condition, suggesting they are mostly unused, surviving spares, whereas no lesser condition Cartridge Counter Magazine has yet been observed or published to be determined authentic, such as the 22414 associated "Cartridge Counter" magazine.

Also, the same could be said of the surviving, purportedly authentic, unviewed magazines assumed to be correct, inserted in most of the good to excellent condition Cartridge Counter Lugers pictured in this article. It would be expected that the most severely tested Cartridge Counter Lugers tested by the U.S. Army in 1904 that survived, albeit in poor condition, with a magazine, that the much-used Cartridge Counter Luger would correspondingly have a less than pristine Cartridge Counter magazine, such as the 22414 Cartridge Counter Luger magazine.

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To the collector or owner of a Cartridge Counter Luger magazine, especially one who has paid a large sum of money, who reads this article and after reexamining his magazine and if differences are noted, the natural inclination will be to take umbrage, citing that not all Cartridge Counter Luger magazines were made identical, which as a general comment is correct, however, it is also true that the DWM German engineers, machinists and technicians went to great lengths to assure that the 100 Cartridge Counter magazines made were sufficiently, dimensionally identical in special features required and essential for functionality and interchangeability in a test program, especially in this case when a large contract is at stake.

The Cartridge Counter Lugers
M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22426 (a.k.a.) also known as: The Three Amigos

As of 2009, Cartridge Counter Luger 22426 was the last unknown Cartridge Counter Luger to be identified, there are yet a few remaining, unknown Cartridge Counter Lugers, however, none have been identified since 2009, noting that the first list of identified Cartridge Counter Luger serial numbers was published in 1972. As the saying goes, everything comes in threes^[5]. Apparently, this saying can be applied to Cartridge Counter Lugers as there are three identified Cartridge Counter Lugers with the same 22426 serial number.^[6]

As described in the 2009 Luger Forums comments, 22426 was authenticated as an original M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger with the major exception of replacement wooden grips, magazine, take down side plate and no grip safety lever. The frame has the expected metal removal in the upper left side grip wall to accommodate the full insertion of the Cartridge Counter magazine left side follower installed pointer. The 22426 American Eagle short frame receiver chamber crest was apparently in poor condition, even before the entire gun was "hot dip" blued, which did not improve its appearance.

Pictured are very poor quality, left and right-side views of 22426, along with some equally poor-quality inserted pictures of the frame full serial number and of the receiver underside stop lug and barrel serial number of a very crude, hot dipped "restoration" of M1902 Cartridge Counter 22426 as pictured and discussed in a 2009 Luger Forums and subsequent conversations.

Note: Questions were posted to the Luger Forums on March 15, 2021 regarding the current status of the 2009 Cartridge Counter Luger 22426: In 2009 CC Luger 22426 was pictured and although in poor condition was identified as authentic. At the time the owner said he was going to send it to a noted restorer for restoration. Does anybody know if it was restored and if it was, are there pictures of the restored CC Luger 22426? Sincerely, Charles. PS. There was a 22426 CC Luger offered by Phoenix Investments Arms a while back...

The Response

Many Luger Forums members to date have viewed the comments with only one like and one response: Chuck, I have this note in my record of CC Lugers: "On consignment with Simpson, Ltd. Sold to current owner by Richard Ellis. Bob Simpson is not comfortable with the gun, has long felt that it is a fake because of wrong serial number font." Unfortunately, I didn't date that note so I don't remember when Simpson had it. Ron.

A subsequent conversation with Bob Simpson of Simpson Ltd revealed his knowledge of yet another M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22426. This example is different from the 2009 Luger Forums original example or the Phoenix Investment Arms example. This brings the count to two or possibly three Cartridge Counter Lugers with the same 22426 serial number. Since the query to the Luger Forums has not resulted in any information as to whether the original 22426 was ever restored or by who, would have been helpful, however, is not necessary as this article will establish if the original Luger Forums 22426 went through a "second" restoration.

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Example 1 is the 2009 Luger Forums Cartridge Counter Luger 22426 which has been authenticated and accepted by the Luger Forums community as original and is used as a benchmark to compare against examples 2 and 3. Example 2 was pictured and offered by Phoenix Investment Arms, a.k.a. PIA on their web site. PIA is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Example 3 was later identified in a conversation with Bob Simpson of Simpson Ltd.

In the 2009 Luger Forums discussion, the then owner of the original 22426 stated he was researching the possibility of restoration and had sent the gun to a noted restorer^[7] who said he would do the job. Since the PIA featured 22426 appears to be in mint condition, it is a candidate for review, and was therefore, subsequently examined by comparing serial number stampings and component parts for similarity against the original 2009 Luger Forums example. In comparing the, albeit poor quality pictures of the frame serial numbers, similarity was found in font size, number styles, placements, spacings and angles of number stampings. The conclusions being, that there are more similarities than differences in the frame serial numbers, making a strong case that the frames are identical. However, the similarity ends when comparing the three-digit serial numbers of the rear links, which differ in alignment and placement.

The most informative and revealing comparison is of the last three-digits of the serial numbers on the stop lugs that are of completely different placement and alignment, as are the barrel/receiver witness marks and the full five-digit serial numbers, indicating two different barrels. One possibility is that the PIA barrel serial numbers were restamped on the original Luger Forums barrel, but that is easily dismissed as a possibility as the receiver/barrel witness alignment marks are totally different. Another commonality between the Luger Forums 22426 and the PIA example is that one of the two leaf recoil springs is extra thick, possibly a replacement.

The final determining issue is that the receivers are totally different, with the PIA receiver lacking the receiver underside rails 4mm abutments and full length, 45-degree rail chamfer. This type of receiver with 6mm abutments and shallow 6-degree, full length rail chamfer in the PIA 22426 receiver forks stamped example was not used with the short frame Cartridge Counter Lugers, while the Luger Forums original 22426 receiver is correct. Pictured are the two receiver/barrel undersides illustrating the features described.^[8]

A comparison of the 2009 Luger Forums original 22426 toggle link assembly shows that the last three-digits of the rear link serial number are also of completely different placement and alignment. However, the original toggle link assembly was probably used in the restoration as the original, weak appearance of the rear link serial numbers, probably a result of the first, poor quality, hot-dip reblue of 22426 and were simply restamped as part of the restoration.

The configuration of the PIA 22426 Cartridge Counter Luger supports various scenarios. There is a strong possibility that it is the restored, original Luger Forums 22426 Cartridge Counter Luger. Although, the restorer/mechanic had to make some decisions. One being that the original frame had to be used as the frame serial number stamping was in pretty good condition i.e., well-defined and deep and because of the signature left side frame, upper wall cut-out, imbuing authenticity, modified by DWM, required to accommodate for the magazine follower installed pointer at full insertion.

The original receiver posed issues as the American Eagle chamber crest was in very bad condition, as described in the Luger Forums comments and it would be, therefore, much easier to replace the receiver, possibly with a new model short frame grip safety, chamber crest American Eagle, unfortunately a wrong, early time period American Eagle chamber crested receiver was used.

The second scenario or issue is equally interesting, in as much as the PIA offering description states in one of its many accolades, bromides and general hyperbola in describing 22426 that: The lack of a paper trail for the Cartridge Counter Models points us to a conclusion that several of these guns became "prizes" or presentation guns to individuals of rank and privilege. 9mm Cartridge Counters that have surfaced over the years from private collections rarely show the wear and tear that a calvary troop or testing facility would have inflicted on a firearm. This is the classic Luger, out of an old-time collection, preserved in a minty condition and in dynamite condition. We are offering this "well-documented"^[9] classic Parabellum for $50,000.00 to the advanced collector who wants a "top gun" for the collection. In very good condition and offered for $48,895.00 over the counter.

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Keeping in mind that there can only be one original 22426 Cartridge Counter Luger and with the original 22426 pictured, discussed and described in the Luger Forums in 2009, being without the original Cartridge Counter grips, Cartridge Counter magazine, incorrect take-down side plate and missing grip safety lever. Although, there is no denying that the PIA M1902 American Eagle chamber crested Cartridge Counter Luger is of Museum Quality condition as stated by PIA, however, its provenance, until now, is probably known only to two persons, the restorer and the individual who had it restored. As the old adage goes, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, In this case, yes, you can.

Since it is established that the original, hot-dipped reblued 22426, prior to its second "restoration" had standard replacement aftermarket regular wooden grips and that the "restored" 22426 currently has very convincing aftermarket Cartridge Counter grips, it is important that the collector examines any prospective Cartridge Counter Luger purchase examine the grips, very carefully, inside and out. Pictured is a comparison of the original grips of 22414 against the best quality replication aftermarket cartridge Counter wooden grips of 22426. Additionally, aftermarket Cartridge Counter wooden grips, albeit strangely for 1970s Commemorative Cartridge Counter Lugers are advertised by, at least one retailer.

The third, or second example, depending on one's point of view, M1902 AE Cartridge Counter Luger 22426 is much easier to define as an aftermarket effort. This "Cartridge Counter" Luger is known by the dealer, currently in possession, to be incorrect, based on the frame and barrel serial number font style. Additionally, the receiver is also incorrect, based on the two-digit stamped stop lug and middle link underside. The several factory inspection marks on the receiver, surrounding the two-digit stop lug indicates the receiver being from a short frame American Eagle chamber crested, circa 1906 or later, new model commercial grip safety Luger.

Compared to the genuine M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22414 receiver underside stop lug, three-digit numeric font stamping and barrel full serial number, clearly shows a different font style, particularly the totally different style of the number "4" used in the 22426-barrel stamping. Regarding the barrel of 22426, the barrel flange is soft and ill-defined suggesting the purportedly "fat" barrel used may have been restored/refinished in the process of applying the five-digit barrel serial number stamping. As a matter of note the area around the receiver stop lug of all observed Cartridge Counter Lugers are devoid of any factory inspection marks. What would be interesting to observe and inspect is the left side Cartridge Counter wooden grip to see details of its construction, unfortunately, these are the only pictures available of this aftermarket 22426 Cartridge Counter Luger.

M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22436

With the first 22426 Cartridge Counter Luger(s) in the rear-view mirror, pictured and described is the "other" unknown Cartridge Counter Luger. As the story is told, many years ago, parts of 22436 were found in a box of Luger parts. The main component was the frame, which was/is in reasonable condition. Other parts are the trigger, take-down side plate, take-down lever and grip safety. The toggle link assembly was also in the box, but curiously inserted in a hybrid receiver-barrel concoction. It is not known if the toggle link assembly was conveniently inserted or belonged to the receiver. The receiver stop lug is stamped 536, well out of the Cartridge Counter serial number range of 22401-22450. The barrel is crown N nitro commercial proofed with a very high 91526 serial number stamping.

The barrel, obviously being fitted to the receiver in the 1920s or later, separates or disassociates it with 22436. The 530 numbered stop-lug stamped receiver is interesting, as based of the four-lobe factory inspection mark, possibly being serial number 10530. There are, however, American Eagle chambered receivers in that range. The length the barrel and barrel caliber is unknown, except based on the extremely narrow barrel flange, that it was cut-back to fit in the receiver. The inserted toggle link assembly is assumed to be complete, based on the visible stamped 436 middle link underside. Interestingly, the lower front edge of the breechblock underside has been milled flat, possibly indicating a 1904 U.S. Army testing failure, with possibly associated receiver damage, rendering 22436 non-operational or non-functional, accounting for the missing original barrel-receiver assembly.

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Alternately, this area may have been deliberately milled flat for experimentation. The flat, milled recess extends to the forward edge of the breechblock, partially removing the lower section of the Cartridge rim recess wall, meaning that the modification was possibly related to chambering or cycling. In any event this malfunction or deliberate modification probably occurred early on in the testing, accounting for the reasonably decent condition of the 22436-surviving frame.

In reviewing the 22436 breechblock underside modification and in analyzing a freeze frame of a Cartridge Counter ammunition cycling animation created for this article, it appears the as the mostly forward underside section/portion of the breechblock that engages the cartridge rim, propelling it into the chamber, that it looks to be pushing down, especially the first encountered forward section, on the next round, i.e. pushing down (kicking), forcing the larger diameter 9mm straight wall bullet partially back into the magazine, possibly exacerbated by the effects of the CC magazine bulge. Pictured is an example of the result of that impact encounter with Cartridge Counter Luger magazine inserted in 22411.

This could be related to the U.S. Army reported jamming issue/problem experienced during the U.S Army test program and may be why someone, possibly during the test program, machined flat the forward underside breechblock section of Cartridge Counter breechblock 22436 as, even though both 7.65mm and 9mm rounds point equally upward when in the magazine cradle, it's the straight wall 9mm round being 1.5 mm "taller" that encounters the breechblock underside leading edge with a more forceful, downward, "kicking" effect, which is the next round in the cycle, pointing or positioning the round slightly lower into the magazine cradle with the bullet tip resting against the forward curved magazine lip top edge that had created the possibility of jamming.

Note, this condition did not present itself with the Old Model magazine .30 Cal bottleneck cartridges, specifically with the smaller diameter 7.65mm bottleneck round.

The dealer states that he has been tempted, more than once to have 22436 restored or sell the parts to a restorer. Collectors be warned! M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22436 may yet be reincarnated, offered as "from an old-time collection" for beaucoup or "Boo Koo Bucks", and this time with a near perfect frame, trigger, side plate and toggle link assembly that will need very little "restoration", only the addition of "aftermarket" Cartridge Counter grips, a 9mm caliber fat barrel and receiver in that serial number range and voila, a near mint Cartridge Counter Luger, which will be very difficult to refute and/or authenticate. Although, as a rule, most restorers tend to overdo the restoration to an unreasonable, unrealistic, near mint condition. In other words, if something is too good to be true in appearance, it probably is too good to be true in reality.

BEWARE!!
As of 27 January 2024 at the Las Vegas Antique Arms Gun Show the above described 23426 Cartridge Counter frame, trigger, side plate, along with the original Toggle Link Assembly with modified Breechblock underside, was sold by the above referenced dealer, who finally succumbed to "temptation", to another old-time known dealer/restorer, no doubt, of which 22436 will eventually reappear, in a private scenario offering, as a reincarnated "NEW" Cartridge Counter Luger with aftermarket Cartridge Counter grips, magazine, 9mm FAT barrel, et al.

It should be noted that throughout the Cartridge Counter and later commercial FAT barrel serial number range that the small parts serial number stampings of the take-down side plate underside and the receiver stop lugs can vary between two or three-digit numeric stampings, i.e. until challenged, both are correct.

The Surviving M1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Lugers

As reported in Luger Tips by M. Reese II ©1972, revised 1992. The following are the only ones known to exist today. Serial Numbers: 22402, 22406, 22411, 22414, 22415, 22433, 22425, 22427, 22428, 22433 and 22440. There are possibly 2 more reported. This list as presented in the 1970s publication of identified Cartridge Counter Lugers did not change with the 1992 revised edition of Luger Tips.

As reported in Central Powers Pistols by ^†J. Still © 2007, page 417 states that: Thirty-seven are reported in the 22401-22450 range. Duplicate serial numbers have been reported (22404, 22409, 22446). The serial numbers per Table 60a are: 22401, 22402, 22404, 22405, 22406, 22407, 22409, 22411, 22413, 22414, 22415, 22416, 22418, 22421, 22422, 22423, 22424, 22425, 22426a, 22426b, 22426c, 22427, 22428, 22430, 22431, 22432, 22433, 22435, 22436, 22437, 22439, 22440, 22441, 22443a, 22443b, 22444, 22445, 22446, 22447, 22448, 22449, 22450. There are replicas in this range. Some of the serial numbers listed by ^†Still as identified are highlighted/underlined, being verified by actual photographs vs word-of-mouth, second-hand sightings.

The above 2007 Central Powers Pistols Table 60a is based on a list published in the Luger Forum in December 2003. Based on the following spreadsheet tabulation: the highest number reported Cartridge Counter Lugers is 38 per the 2007 Central Powers Pistols book Table 60a vs the 2022 Land of Borchardt list of 24 Cartridge Counter Luger serial numbers supported by actual photographs. This leaves about 14 Cartridge Lugers reported by Central Powers Pistols Table 60a unsubstantiated, based on the criteria set forth.

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22402, 22404, 22405, 22406, 22407, 22409^[10] 22409^[11] 22411, 22414, 22415, 22416, 22421, 22422, 22423, 22425 22427, 22428, 22430, 22431, 22432, 22433, 22436, 22437, 22439, 22440, 22443, 22446 22447, 22449 22450. Although, many of the Luger Forum listed Cartridge Counter Lugers by serial number are identified by actual photographs in the subject article, many are not.

As of this writing the following is a list of Cartridge Counter Lugers reported and identified herein by actual photographs: 10078B^[12], 22408a^[13], 22408b^[14], 22409^[15], 22411 V1^[16], 22411 V2^[17], 22411V3^[18], 22414, 22422^[19], 22423 V1, 22423 V2, 22425^[20], 22426 V1, 22426 V2^[21], 22426 V3, 22427, 22428^[22], 22430^[23], 22431, 22432^[24], 22436^[25], 22437, 22439 V1, 22439 V2, 22440^[26], 22443 V1, 22443 V2, 22444, 22445^[27], 22446, 22447, 22449^[28], 22449^[29], 22450a, 22450b, 22476, 22543.

In discussing the serial number range of the 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers, collectors tend to go apoplectic, is it 22400 - 22449 or 22401 - 22450? Since ^†Jan Still in Central Powers Pistols 2007 lists 22450 in Table 60a as "reported", one would think that would have solved the issue of the exact range of the 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers being 22401 - 22450, however, with the extreme desirability and value of the variation, the temptation to replicate, copy and/or restore is always there. Trust but verify comes to mind.

Posted in the Luger Forum a while back was a picture of an unidentified, by serial number, Cartridge Counter Luger. The identical nsn picture of this Cartridge Counter was further identified in an Internet Public Domain search and interestingly, sourced to a Smith and Wesson Forum site discussion called "Fabulous Lugers." The pictured Cartridge Counter Luger 224XX has been positively identified by another photograph to be 22450 and most importantly a photograph of the frame serial number generously provided by the previous owner.

22450 was known to exist in the early 1990s, but was only first pictured, as stated above, in a circa 2012 Smith & Wesson Forum site on a green background without a serial number. The serial number was later identified to be 22450 based on the subsequent identification obtained from the then owner which included a picture of the frame and barrel serial number and an additional left-side picture of 22450 which was clear enough to verify that the Smith & Wesson Forum pictured, unnumbered Cartridge Counter Luger was indeed 22450. Note that all other circa 2012 Smith & Wesson Forum site pictures of Lugers are on the same green felt background, stating that they are part of the same collection and are of similar, near mint condition.

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The Other One

The May 4^th 2022 Rock Island Auction offered a M1902 Cartridge Counter Luger 22450 which has been determined to be a different Cartridge Counter Luger from the 2012 Smith & Wesson Forum picture of 22450. The differences are apparent when viewing the left-side view of both examples, specifically the frame and barrel serial numbers in alignment, spacing and font styles. The Rock Island Auction frame and barrel serial numbers of 22450 compare favorably against known original Cartridge Counter Luger frame serial numbers.

When comparing the frame and barrel serial numbers of both examples the differences are readily apparent, especially in alignment and spacing. For clarity pictured is a large, high-resolution picture of the RIA 22450 frame and barrel serial numbers. In combination with the apparent original finish surrounding the frame and barrel serial numbers of the RIA example the tendency is to err toward the RIA example as the authentic 22450 Cartridge Counter Luger along with an original, authentic Cartridge Counter Luger magazine. Pictured is a collage of typical serial number placement and features of the RIA 22450 unique to all genuine Cartridge Counter Lugers.

Summary

In conclusion, it has been determined by a complete, detailed inspection, internal and external, internal when available, that no matter how persuasive and convincing and authentic a Cartridge Counter Luger is, with its unique Graham h. Powell Indicator Device and inserted Cartridge Counter magazine appears at first glance, and even after an in-hand inspection, one cannot be certain of its authenticity without a detailed, individual part-by-part analysis with full knowledge of the evolution of Luger components, features unique to Cartridge Counter Lugers which includes the receiver-barrel assembly, frame, Powell Indicator Device modified wooden grip, the serialization placement and font styles and the Cartridge Counter magazine.

With the above stated criteria, most of the Cartridge Counter Lugers and magazines pictured in this article are assumed to be correct, based on a best effort external examination, lacking the ability, in most examples, of disassembly. The old adage of you can't tell a book by it cover is totally apt for the 50 Cartridge Counter American Eagle Lugers.

Interestingly, the 50 U.S. Army M1902 Cartridge Counter American Eagle crested Lugers are in a rarified category of being the most faked group of Lugers extant, along with their special magazines, second only to the approximately 20 Swiss Test Trials preproduction 1899 Borchardt Lugers with their unique serial number placement and Swiss chamber crests and special flat follower button magazines.

The Luger Forum Musings and 22450

#3 - Jul 3, 2007

Number 22450 is listed in Scott Meadow's book on US Automatic Pistols. Also, this gun came up for sale in 2002 and I talked to the seller (tried to get it down to a price I could afford...NO WAY!) and it is a Cartridge Counter.

#11 - Jul 4, 2007

Probably there is just as much proof that #22450 is a CC as there is that #22400 is a CC, perhaps even more. In addition to the fact that I talked to the owner of #22450, Scott Meadows lists #22450 as a "documented surviving example". He also quotes a May 7, 1904 document by Colonel John F. Greer, Commanding Officer, New York Arsenal..." There were received at this Arsenal on the 20th ult. 50 Luger Automatic pistols with 25,000 Ball cartridges for same". Pretty much rules out the likelihood of 51 CCs being delivered, but doesn't rule out the possibility that #22400 exists regardless of who made it.

 
Serial number lists, descriptions and information are from the following sources:
^†Datig, Fred A., The Luger Pistol, ©1955, page 246
^†Jones, Harry, Luger Variations, ©1959, pages 74, 75, 94,and 95
Walter, John, The Luger Book, ©1986, page 128, 131
Reese II, M., Luger Tips, ©1972, revised 1992, pages 28,32. List of reported Cartridge Counter serial numbers
^†Still, Jan C., Imperial Lugers, ©1991, page 17
^†Still, Jan C., Central Powers Pistols, ©2007, page 417, Table 60a. List of reported Cartridge Counter serial numbers
Meadows, Scott M., U.S. Military Pistols 1894-1920 page 387
Martens, Bas J., The Dutch Luger, ©1994, page 115
^†Görtz/Sturgess, Pistole Parabellum, ©2010, Volume I, pages 212, 214
^†Görtz/Sturgess, The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols, ©2011 & 2012, Volume III, Chapter 19, Figures 19-147 & 19-148
Ron Wood, files
Jan Balcar, files

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[1] It should be noted that the 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers were not the first to use the newly designed, late Old Model production short receiver and 129 mm length frame with wide trigger guard, chambered for the straight wall 9mm round.

[2] Since the identity of the magazines of 10028B and 10051B, with the new Model 1904 design 9mm shallow feedway entrance lips, especially of 10028B with wooden bottom metal inserts, that the new 9mm magazines could have been made before the 50 Cartridge Counter Lugers, hence the possibility of a batch of 50 were "modified" rather that made from scratch.

[3] Although, there is only one Cartridge Counter magazine photograph example showing evidence of damage, with one-hundred made, the probability of more is certain.

[4] M1902 AE Cartridge Counter Luger 22425 is listed in a ^†Jan C. Still Table 60 as identified and stated to be reblued, which if tested as extensively as 22414 was also probably in bad shape, so much so, that one would resort to a reblue, however, since no pictures or source information are available, diminishes or mutes the value of the information.

[5] Folklore professor Alan Dundes said the belief that bad things -- or good things -- come in threes is an ancient superstition that has stuck with us through the ages. He said that all cultures focus on certain numbers as "magical," but Americans have a strong tendency to see things in threes.

[6] Actually, there are only two Cartridge Counters with the same 22426 serial number, however, since the restoration bears no resemblance to the hot dipped reblued "original", being a hybrid combination of reworked original, replacement and new components, it should be referred to as 1A and 1B and 2A, yet another hybrid concoction, hence The Three Amigos.

[7] It is very difficult to identify or associate any restorer to a restored Luger for obvious reasons, however, one particular "restored" Luger has been documented with the particular referenced "noted restorer". The "restored" Luger was identified by Revivaler to be, purportedly, a 1904 transitional Navy Luger, serial number 726 which was offered in 2017 by Rock Island Auction. Note: this navy variation does not exist, it is a fabrication.

[8] The underside receiver fork abutments and chamfer changed from 6 mm to 4 mm and the full-length receiver forks chamfer changed from 6-degrees to 45-degrees sometimes after serial number 22350 and 22401.

[9] "Well-documented". There is no presented, implied or otherwise, specific documentation, for example, in the form of a certified letter from the consigner or noted personage stating such, to support the provenance of this gun, other than the conviction of the seller, ironically, who states the lack of a paper trail in the description.

[10] Examined by Ron Wood, currently existing in a private collection and in the condition (less than pristine) as originally discovered in 1970.

[11] Appeared on the US market approximately 15 years ago, reportedly in near mint condition.

[12] For more information on 10078B click here.

[13] Rock Island Auction Company sold a 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Luger 22408 with an extensive description titled: Professional Recreation of a DWM 1902 American Eagle "Cartridge Counter" Luger Pistol. The same pistol was offered again by Phoenix investment Arms.

[14] 22408 frame and barrel serial numbers and inside view of incorrect, aftermarket grips.

[15] Of questionable authenticity.

[16] As first pictured in Luger Variations ©1959.

[17] A classic example of a Cartridge Counter Luger offered by Greg Martin Auctions being later electronically touched-up compared to its first appearance in the ©1959 publication Luger Variations by Harry Jones.

[18] Offered again in 2021 by Rock Island Auction as originally pictured in 1959, except in color.

[19] The barrel-receiver witness marks are not aligned when compared against known Cartridge Counter Lugers and the 22422-barrel serial number is located further out on the barrel and the Cartridge Counter magazine is an aftermarket concoction. Note that the top of the follower (arrowed) has been photoshopped or air brushed, concealing configuration.

[20] Identified in the Luger Forum in 2021 as restored with aftermarket grips and without a correct Cartridge Counter magazine.

[21] Probable fake.

[22] Sold for $74,750 at auction in April 2015. Sold for $138,000 at auction June 6, 2020.

[23] RIA Lot 3127 sold at auction for $74,500, September 11, 2011.

[24] Interestingly, the Dutch Luger Book pictures Cartridge Counter Luger 22432 with the following caption: A 9 mm Luger number 22432 with Powell’s Cartridge Indicating Device. This device closely resembles the one invented by the Dutch Lieutenant Vethake for a 1904 trial gun.

[25] Frame only.

[26] Interesting that there are two Cartridge Counter Lugers attributed to Ralph Shattuck, being 22428 and 22440 with 22428 first pictured in the ©1969 C. Kenyon, Jr. Lugers at Random publication and later auctioned by RIA with 22440 pictured in the ©1970 Michael Reese II U.S. Test Trials-1900 Luger hardcover publication. ^†Shattuck pictures a Cartridge Counter Luger in his 2000 booklet titled Lugers of Ralph Shattuck as his, once belonging to the late Mel Torme Collection. It is uncertain if it is 22428 or 22440, although it doesn't appear to be either.

[27] December 9, 2022 Rock Island Auction of Cartridge Counter 22445. Note that while 22445 is listed in the ©2007 Central Powers Pistols in Table 60a as "reported", this is the first published picture of this Cartridge Counter Luger. (right side, left side, top view, left grip).

[28] Pictured in U.S. Military Automatic Pistols ©1993 by E. Scott Meadows, page 506, Plate Number 11.

[29] 22449 as pictured in 1996 Rock Island Auction sale.