police reports are not always precise, alot of serial numbers and descriptions are sometimes mispelled and other times just plain wrong, main thing it is entered into the ncis and thinksteam data bases one or both are the main source used by law enforcement depts to check items to see if they maybe stolen , i have actualy seen myself firearms recovered years later and returned because of these two data bases . Sad thing is smaller depts do not have the man power or sometimes the knowledge to use them, but recovery does happen ,usualy by a larger dept when they turn up in their jurisdiction

Another sad thing is that guns reported as stolen without including the serial number suffix and sufficient detail sometimes leads to problems for legitimate sales. For example a Luger reported as stolen with a serial number of 1234 and no other information leaves open a problem for probably several dozen Lugers with that number (with or without suffix) but of DWM, Erfurt, Simson, Mauser, Krieghoff or Swiss manufacture.

One would think that the collector of lugers would know to include the letter suffix, if any.

I could be wrong but from what I can see I don't think we are getting the whole story here..

Mike, Thanks! That clears that up...I can only empathize with the owner..I have been through this and heard of it many times. Not the best way to start the day..At least the owner was not beaten or killed during the commission of the felony.

The obvious has already been stated above about suffix's and makers. Let this be a lesson to whoever reads this thread..you need all that information to have a prayer of recovery.

Ron, I corrected "Matching"... Hopefully, if someone searches on the serial number numeric digits they'll hit this thread!

We have an interesting pistol s/n identification chart posted in our classroom at the gun club. It was published by the NY PD a long time ago. IIRC, the description on Lugers indicates the possibility of duplication of serial numbers and the importance of the suffix.

Marc

I had an idea that might be useful in the event an aweful event happens to us. Can we get together and come up an individual sheet with an individual facts, serial numbers or nuances. I would be able to attach a complete set of pictues than can be duplicated for distribute to proper authorities.. Each of us up to now held the mistaken belief that this could neven happen to me!

For awhile I've been considering an online collector database. This could be used to indicate what is known about a specific firearm (characteristics) including photographs, information like ownership (with some degree of privacy) and issues like theft.

This could help consolidate the multiple spreadsheets know being maintained, and keep the most current data always online and available to participants.

The system I'm visualizing would allow online interactive data entry and look-up, and permit reports to be created.

I know that the labor that has gone into researching the existing lists is huge - in many cases a life long effort. For that reason, many are considered proprietary.

I spent about 10 years of my work career in open technologies, and have some experience with the balance between sharing intellectual property, and protecting investment.

The benefits of pooling intellectual property can help raise the value to all participants, create new opportunities (like accurate theft tracking) and can help participants focus on areas of specialization.

If there is interest, I can start working on this effort with more focus...

Marc

Hit the gunshow around a hundred miles. Give your loss report to the both. Pass it out to gunshows, parking lots, offer a nominal reward! I know! Our Sheriif Ken for St. Lucie out of uniform was aproached to purchase an oozi from a back of a car. He said he needed to hit the teller for cash and they all swooped in! You have some beautiful guns. Too much for one or two scum bags! This really Pisses Me Off. Maybe a reward for info leading for recovery or precution!! or 'Castration with a dull butter knife!

Do we have a list of the German alphabet on here? And how they would appear on our Luger’s?

Here german script
 

I assumed our were the same!

From Jan Sill's site

The first one is given as early Mauser and the second on as late Mauser.

Eric's post does NOT show what the suffix letters will llook like. Go to http://www.lugerforum.com/ click on the "technical information" to the left of the screen and then "markings" will give you two charts showing illustrations of suffix letters

Man thats horrible! I wish you the best in recovering all of them and hope the thieves get what they deserve.

Are you sure it wasn't someone you know? Something like this sounds like an inside job. Not that you did it but someone must have known what you had.

The sad part is most homeowner policy insure non household items up to a thousand. Thanks to a friend who is in law enforcement All of mine except for one the mantle are locked awaywith him. Is anyone aware of a company to insure againt the srum baggie. I wish you the best!

There are three companies which sell insurance for collectibles - including firearms.



http://www.historicfirearms.com/wordpress/?page_id=2

http://www.corevensguninsurance.com/

http://www.collectinsure.com/



Collectors Insurance advertises the most, but that does not necessarily mean that it is the best.

All of the rates are competitive but there are differences in the details - especially for large collections.

Thanks Charlie, do you have any information on the NRA's ArmsCare coverage? I noticed that the first $2500. is at no cost for members and that can be increased but I have not contacted them yet.

Did all the luger makers use the same TEXT? Was it ever changed!!

No. Yes.

Its probobly another tool to approximently date a piece by the unique syle of script! Thank You Ron!