newbie trying to date a 1917 DWM

[Doubs]

The receiver with the 1917 date was made by DWM and left the factory as an Artillery model with an 8 inch barrel. At some point - likely the 1920's but really could have been any time after WW1 - the Artillery barrel was removed, possibly to satisfy the Treaty of Versailles restrictions. A short barrel was found and installed and the rear toggle link replaced as the Artillery Luger rear toggle would not have a sight on it.

The parts being replaced and the refinish put your Luger in the "shooter" category and if the bore is good, it should be a fine shooter.

[spangy]

Originally Posted by Doubs

The receiver with the 1917 date was made by DWM and left the factory as an Artillery model with an 8 inch barrel.

I also believe this gun started life as an artillery ... this explains the lack of a rear sight.

fuzidave - "Speaking of a rear site, there doesn't seem to be one. Or am I mistaken."

You are not mistaken - the rear site on an Artillery Luger is ahead of the breech block owing to its 8" barrel.

As for the suffix letter, I believe this gun has been badly messed with and who knows what that mark is or why.

JMHO - Don't shoot the messenger + I reserve the right to be wrong.