If this is true, (and there does appear to be irregularity in the barrel surface), I would also say that the exact same dies were used to stamp the frame serial number.

A puzzle indeed......

Metal has been removed from the barrel serial number area, and a number restamped. The absence of any proof marks on the gun suggests that it was not created in Germany.

--Dwight

Dwight:
Good spot. I can see that now. I guess that's why we pay you the big money...
dju

Isn't the theory of those stock lug dimples related to the process Mauser used to blue the guns? Weren't they thought to have something to do with the way the guns were supported while being run through cleaning and bluing solutions?

Some kind of factory rework could help account for the exact font on the barrel restamp... Were there rebuild programs at Mauser?

Marc

Dwight....... GOOD eyes...... I need to start drinking whatever you do...:cheers:

Thanks everyone for all the info but I'm still lost. So should I assume a good insurance value would be around 800.00 or would it be more or less. Thanks again for all your time and interest. Please keep posting with your suggestions.

I think that it would be wrong to go to the extent of declaring such a low value on this gun based on the well meaning comments posted to date. To my knowledge, Mauser produced relatively few grip safety guns and none that I know of with GESICHERT in the lower position. This frame has the earmarks of a first issue unaltered navy production.

I would be more inclined to attribute the tell-tale stock lug “dimples” to an erroneous cutter runout rather than considering the frame as being of Mauser origin. Perhaps it was this and/or other errors that precluded this particular gun from military acceptance (and the corresponding “proof” marks), and placed it in the parts bin to be later resurrected during the 1920s for commercial sales. The absence of proof marks does suggest that it was created somewhere other than Germany, but that is a suggestion not concrete proof.

The most troublesome detail is what really appears to be a scrubbed and restamped barrel serial number. The front of the frame also looks like it may have been treated in a similar manner. Hard to say when it was done, 1920 or last year.

I can’t assign a value but it seems to me to be more than $800.

Hi Randy, I agree with Ron, I don't believe the frame was manufactured by Mauser. We may never determine the when, where or who of this pistol, it is likely to remain an enigma. As to insurance value, Navy "shooters" start at around $1,500.00, and I would figure your gun somewhat more, say $2,000.00 to $2,500.00. I hope this helps. Regards, Norm

Any roached out Navy shooter should bring twice that amount. It is an interesting gun that has the experts puzzled.
Insure it for whatever feels right.
dju

Thanks guys for all the info and I hope you guys can help me find out what I have it is definitely a interesting thing to try and research and to find out the pros are having as much fun as me. Their is so much info out there and to still be confused as to what this gun is unbelievable. I just thought that it might not be worth as much as I first thought. I just have not seen anything like it. Thanks Again for everything

Randy, what part of PA are you in? I am in the Wilkes Barre/ Scranton area. John

Im located around the Dubois area of PA.

Too bad you were not a little closer, I would like to look it over. If you are ever going to be eastward a bit, or decide to sell it. email me at bench1000@aol.com. My vote is 20 era commercial sales gun. Even if it were recently made, it is a really nice navy shooter. Nice pistol you have, John

Duboise! That's where my brother lives! Small world.

Small world indeed I do know some wood's from Dubois that I went to school with.

serial # 61 luger
 

Hello thanks for all the replies from everyone. I was researching for info on my gun and came across a luger with the serial #61 and from what I can see in the pics it dont have alot of the markings and looks very close to what my gun looks like. Please let me know what you think. Thanks