1920 Police Luger ??

[Don M]

Originally Posted by bruce4guns

The gun is a 1920 dated DWM. The Date is in the proper position and does not seem to be a ground down over stamp. The gun is commercially proofed (Crown N) only.

Bruce, to get good answers to all your questions, you will need to post a series of good, focused photos of the gun and holster. As an example of the limits of words only, the above quote includes a significant contradiction. If the gun was manufactured by DWM in 1920 and so chamber-dated, it would have military, not commercial, proofs. It is possible that it was manufactured later in the 20s as a commercial Parabellum, rebarreled for the police and stamped with the 1920 government property stamp. It also may consist of parts from different guns.

I could speculate further based on your descriptions but the chances of error are too high.

You are correct that the holster was converted from a military to a police-style closure for the Schutzpolizei of the Arnsberg administrative district. However, the police marking S.Ar.I.II.13. is a very early marking, predating the extant 1922 marking instructions. As noted on pp. 117-8 of History Writ in Steel, it is probably from the Schupo command stationed in either Dortmund or Bochum; however, there are some peculiarities with similar markings and good photos are needed.

If you decide to add photos, please be sure to include one of the serial number and letter suffix on the front of the frame beneath the barrel. Other views should include left, right and top views of the entire gun and closeups of any markings. Good front and back shots of the holster and any markings as well.

With good photos, I am sure the forum members will be able to answer most of your questions.