date code suffix help.
 

For the experts here, does this look like an "O" date code that has had the lower part buffed off during a refine? If so, would that make the frame a 1939? Appreciate any input.

Could be many different years, looks like an "a" to me.

You need to show the rest of the frame, especially the back "ears" and from the top inside.

Tom,

If, indeed, the frame is 1939, the year had an o-block. But, I believe the suffix in the picture is a q. In 1939, production ran "n" through "z".

Why do you think the frame is 1939?

John

Actually, I found the attachment that you had posted here:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=35386

I haven't found exactly what the suffix is yet, the closest I can guess would be the 1939 O, only with the bottom buffed off. Not really sure at all though.

Tom,

I don't think it is an o. It's more likely a q. Both were used in 1939.

But neither can define a year as they were used in multiple years.

To do that you must have more details about the frame itself.

John

Why do you think it is from 1939?

What you show could be from a half dozen different years.:confused:

The number font on the front of the frame does not appear to be from 1939.

Here is a link to the thread with links to actual pictures of the alphabetic suffixes; you can match yours up with whatever you decide it most resembles... :)

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=34813

Thanks for those links, I found that page but couldn't find the active links. Looking over all of those pics, to my eye it looks like the O that he labeled ????? buffed out on the bottom. If that was it, the mystery continues. :)

All the links posted in the thread are active; only one button on the suffix page is working. That's why the thread has the entire URL spelled out. :)

There have been several forum software upgrades since Ed spent many hours building up the suffix page, but access to restore the button function has proven to be difficult. :thumbup:

Are you going to comment on why you think it is 1939?

It is really not very important whether it is an o,p,q or none of the above, without more info you can't date the frame.

Well, in my post above I quoted a thread, and there's a link in it to a PDF with a lot of picture examples of the different script letters, and associates years with them. Thats all I've found so far, not much to go by. I'm no expert by any means, just looking for help with what I've found so far and what the actual experts know. I'm not near the gun until later today, but what other markings or info would help narrow it down? I can take some pics of any areas you'd want to see that would help. :)

A couple of pics ? If the early font is on a frame without the "Mauser hump" it would be pre-1937/8.

The serif font on the serial number digits was not used by Mauser. It could be a DWM frame.

What does the inside rear top of the frame look like? What doe the worker inspection marks look like?

Sharp pictures of the details of the frame photographed in natural shaded light will help.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...+frame+milling

Ok, I'll work on some more detailed frame pics today and post them up. In the mean time the only other frame pic I have is this one, not a good pic but hopefully might have something to offer until I get better ones taken. And thanks everyone for the help!

You could start understanding what is needed in regard to the frame by reading this thread:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=24367

is there a document anywhere that outlines suffix dates and such? curious when my z block 41 was produced and the e block 1918 dwm

Here is at least one better shot of the inside rear frame. From your link to me it looks more like the DWM, obviously has the rounded machining. Interesting thing is that mine is not machined out symmetrically, the upper left area around the circular marks is carved out more than the right side.

Also read on this link, that the Mauser made frames had dimples in the stock lug rails. Mine definitely does not have those, nor does it have the hump.

http://luger.gunboards.com/showthrea...auser-V-Series

So is it looking like it is more likely a DWM made frame?

BTW I appreciate the help from everyone trying to find these things out. Would not be possible on my own, that's for sure.

you're sure it doesn't have the hump? do you have a picture of the rear of the frame, from the side? just trying to compare your machine markings to the one from that other thread with examples

Here's the rear side...

A picture of the front "well", where the take down latch goes through will help.

Like this?