And the dictionary I know that does not evolve is the Latin one. That's why they call it a "dead language":evilgrin:

Kurusu,

Yet here we all chime the Latin phrase that brought us our Luger. Igitur si vis pacem, Para Bellum.

The Latin alphabet developed in central Italy about seven centuries B.C. and it's interesting that was made of twenty letters, written only as capital letters until the Middle Age.
FWIK the origin of most languages is Latin although it's not spoken anymore.
I think Latin and English are related mostly because of influence the Normans of William the Conqueror had on the language spoken and written in England when they invaded it in 1066; Latin was mainly used by Queen Elizabeth Ist talking and writing to ambassadors of other European countries.

...And the name 'dumpster' is incorrect. The proper name is 'Dempster Dumpmaster'. :)

How it got to be 'dumpster' I blame on the American Educational System... :grr:

Hi Mike,

I've just read through this thread and want you to know that I would be much happier if you felt welcome here and that you could ask questions and share information comfortably.

Any group of people, be it a social gathering, church, or online gun forum, is a place of interaction between individuals. As a whole, they establish a culture and an expectation for what is normal behavior. That said, individuals are human, and have aptitudes and faults and personalities.

When I first joined this forum, I had recently bought my first Luger and was enthusiastic but quite intimidated by the level and depth of knowledge found here on this forum. It was remarkable. I asked questions that were probably considered repetitive and uninteresting by many experienced members - but I got back polite and (if sometimes tolerant) constructive responses.

I soon learned the degree of complexity and judgement that Luger collecting demands, and decided I found this complication interesting and started buying more books than Luger firearms. When I learned a little more and felt confident I understood the truth of a response, I chose to try and help people that came to the forum with that knowledge. I wanted to help share the knowledge and mentor others. I think that this is the path most members here have taken.

I've learned when I'm wrong quite quickly and sometimes forcefully. Sometimes people express their ego and self-importance in the process. Sometimes they are just frustrated or tired of repeating things.

I must admit that some things do frustrate me. When I really want to help answer a question, but things like photographs don't show enough detail for me to even start I find it frustrating. When a question that comes up repeatedly gets asked again I find it frustrating, but do one of two things in response. I either answer what I know about it or I point to some work that I've spent many hours on, the LugerForum FAQ document. In either case, I hope my response is helpful.

Over the years, I have also worked to actively support historic research relating to Lugers and especially Paul Mauser. During that work I also met the true historians in our field and they have taught me many things - both about the firearms themselves and about how to approach researching them and their makers. They have taught me the difference between speculation - thinking I know the answer - and working with documentary evidence to know the answer.

It is my choice to be nice about it when I respond to a posting. It's my experience that most people choose to be both technically and socially constructive here. But, this has not always been the case. All I can say is that it's better here than at almost every other forum I participate in.

Like everyone here, I'm a volunteer. I also highly respect and humbly appreciate those that have mentored me. I hope that over time you can put experiences in perspective and stick around.

;)Indeed. And that is because Latin hasn't changed for ages.:evilgrin:

And by the way the "Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum" concept, that lead to the arms race of the early XXth Century ended up really well. Next month, on the 11th hour of the 11th month, we may celebrate the centenary of the end of it.;)

A few clarifications..
 

Gentlemen, Thank you for the positive replies. This has turned into something much bigger than it was. I feel welcome here. And for honesty sake, I own 60+ guns, 6 Lugers. Over the years I've probably owned 20. (Lugers). Many of you have mentioned books, I own all the Jan Still books, Imperial, Weimar, Third Reich, and Axis pistols/ Lugers at Random by Kenyon, Krieghoff Parabellum by Gibson, and Standard Catalog of Lugers by Davis. Any other titles that you think are good I will try to pick up! Peace. Mike

Mike, here's a link to the three volume reference book with the most up-to-date, accurate info. https://www.simpsonltd.com/products/k1172 The CD of the contents included with the big books is available separately at a very good price.

Thanks!
 

Just bought em. Thanks again, Mike