Question on 1900 AE magazines

Lugerdoc · 05-20-2005, 10:16 AM

Since so many luger mag bottoms have been changed over the years, this may not be the best means of identification. Many of the late WW1 & Weimar era wood bottoms have light grain streaks, usually at about a 45 degree angle to the plain of the tube. In my experience, the preWW1 commerical wood bottoms are of a solid walnut color. A better means of authenticating the era of a mag, is the type of finish on the tube. Early DWM mags up until about 1916 have the "brushed" (I've been told, Cadnium plating) that turns a yellowish tone if undisturbed. During late WW1 they began to use tin plating and used that until Mauser took over in 1930 or so. Mauser made mags, at least from 1934, have a much "shinier" nickel finish. The early Haenel mags have more of an "electroless" nickel look to them. TH

05-20-2005, 10:16 AM	#4
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Since so many luger mag bottoms have been changed over the years, this may not be the best means of identification. Many of the late WW1 & Weimar era wood bottoms have light grain streaks, usually at about a 45 degree angle to the plain of the tube. In my experience, the preWW1 commerical wood bottoms are of a solid walnut color. A better means of authenticating the era of a mag, is the type of finish on the tube. Early DWM mags up until about 1916 have the "brushed" (I've been told, Cadnium plating) that turns a yellowish tone if undisturbed. During late WW1 they began to use tin plating and used that until Mauser took over in 1930 or so. Mauser made mags, at least from 1934, have a much "shinier" nickel finish. The early Haenel mags have more of an "electroless" nickel look to them. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net