Info on my 1916 DWM luger

RockinWR · 01-18-2003, 07:16 PM

Bryon,
* Hi again !! How's that "widow" treating ya?? Still a slice of history. Glad you can enjoy. Sounds like it was a good deal!!
* Jan Still's Vol. IV, Imperial Lugers, Pg.24 states 140,000 of this 1916 DWM were made. DWM's most prolific WWI production year. All data you reported fits a WWI Army save for the "fancy x".
* Serial range of known examples is 80_ to 7060q.
* The test proof #17 is an Erfurt Arsenal mark & is known to rightfully exist on some examples. Guess that was how DWM made so many...used barrels from the Army Arsenal to overcome their own part's shortages.
* Jan states only 1% of the 1916 DWM's were Unit marked. As Ed notes, this is a plus for this piece.
* As you can see by the S/N range, an "x" by the barrel S/N is out-of-range. Neither DWM nor Erfurt are known to have made it to the "x" block in any WWI year of production based on current reported examples. Mystery mark... possibly interpreted a number of ways (Post War, barrel condemnation, etc.). The digitals may help clear this up. Anyway, the S/N of this piece is the frame S/N of 4312a.
* Agree with Ed on "a collectible" w/ the "x" Caveat pending.
WR

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

01-18-2003, 07:16 PM	#3
RockinWR User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: D/FW, Tx Posts: 279 Thanks: 109 Thanked 31 Times in 16 Posts	Bryon, * Hi again !! How's that "widow" treating ya?? Still a slice of history. Glad you can enjoy. Sounds like it was a good deal!! * Jan Still's Vol. IV, Imperial Lugers, Pg.24 states 140,000 of this 1916 DWM were made. DWM's most prolific WWI production year. All data you reported fits a WWI Army save for the "fancy x". * Serial range of known examples is 80_ to 7060q. * The test proof #17 is an Erfurt Arsenal mark & is known to rightfully exist on some examples. Guess that was how DWM made so many...used barrels from the Army Arsenal to overcome their own part's shortages. * Jan states only 1% of the 1916 DWM's were Unit marked. As Ed notes, this is a plus for this piece. * As you can see by the S/N range, an "x" by the barrel S/N is out-of-range. Neither DWM nor Erfurt are known to have made it to the "x" block in any WWI year of production based on current reported examples. Mystery mark... possibly interpreted a number of ways (Post War, barrel condemnation, etc.). The digitals may help clear this up. Anyway, the S/N of this piece is the frame S/N of 4312a. * Agree with Ed on "a collectible" w/ the "x" Caveat pending. WR