Another 1906 Frenchy Is Up For Auction

[Dwight Gruber]

Eric,

In this case, "fake" is the fraudulent reproduction of the "Manufacture Francais des Armes et Cycles" barrel inscription added to a standard New Model Parabellum, to increase the pistol's value for personal gain. Up until recently, the toe number has not been commonly known as a necessary characteristic of an authentic pistol; collectors have simply accepted the barrel inscription without the knowledge that a pistol must be investigated further.

Now that thte information is "out there," look for bad actors to start adding the the toe numbers to their Luger forgeries, completely muddying the waters.

--Dwight