1920 Commercial Lugers

[bill m]

Hi Kyrie,

I know the difference between what Kenyon called a 1920 commercial and a 1923 commercial. The fact is -- that this is the wrong time frame for these. The 1923's as Kenyon calls them were actually made before the 1920's as Kenyon calls them. This is a fact. Kenyon's book is old and it is a fact that his names are actually backwards. Do some research on this and you will find out that I am correct as to the dates of manufacture. So, that being said, why isn't the "1923's" as you referr to them, made up of these Imperial guns? They were actually made before the "1920's" as you call them.


You are totally wrong as to the serial numbering of the "1920" commercial being in the military style serial placement. That is why we call these guns commercial or military. They are in the commercial style, just like the "1923" commercials, with the only difference the 5 digit serial number. These all have the serial number on the underside of the sideplate and takedown lever, instead of on the outer surfaces. When they are marked on the outer surface that is the military style. That just makes my opinion stronger as to you saying that they are numbered in the military style, which would mean that they are actually a military gun, and not a commercial gun. The placement of the serial numbers is one of the tools we use to determine if the gun is a commercial or a military.


My 1920 commercial is #6439 M, and it is of new manufacture. Again, I think these with partial Imperial markings are actually Weimar military or police guns. I have actually never seen a true "1920" commercial in the (i through t) blocks that showed remains of DWM or Erfurt parts, but have numerous and have seen numberous Weimar military and police guns that still show partial Imperial markings or a combination of both.


What I'm referring to as a "1920" commercial is a Luger in 30 Luger, with under a 4inch barrel, with Germany stamped on the frame, and C/N proofs on the barrel, breech, and receiver, in the (i block through t blocks). Some had longer barrel lengths, but most are these short barrels, and a few were in 9mm. Why doesn't the 9mm Lugers just have an original Imperial barrel on them? They don't.


Again Kyrie, we disagree. Perhaps a few were refurbished, but I feel that most were of new manufacture, and what Kenyon wrote 40 years ago was his opinion then, but that some new facts have been brought forward. Always fun to disagree with you.