1916 Takedown Tool
 

Hi,

I am new to forum.

I have a DWM (?) 1916 Luger I recently purchased from a WWII vet and he is writing a history of how he acquired it for me. According to his daughter it was taken off of a dead German.

It has no holster or takedown tool.

I have purchased a 1916 Army holster that is in the mail.

I would like to find a takedown tool that is appropiate for this model.

I know there are a lot of repros out there and a fair number of "original" ones.

I have heard some are serialized to the gun and others have manufactures marks. Can someone fill me in on what I should be looking for in the way of markings on the correct 1916 tool or point me to a book that would explain it all ?

Thanks !!

Allen, welcome to the Forum!
DWM was not known for marking their loading tools. An appropriate one could be blank...no markings.
An original is generally one tenth of an inch thick or slightly less. Any thicker and it has a better chance of being fake.
Most serialized tools are Police.
There are many that are Crown G-S-F etc. A crown and gothic letter.
Hope this helps..Congrats on your Luger and holster!
Jerry Burney

does anyone know why some stripping tools are imperial proof marked but the majority are blank?

DWM didn't mark theirs and they made the most...Jerry Burney

Allen,

Here are a couple of photos of some TD tools I own...

I believe all are German-made, originals...

Left to right are as follows :

* Erfurt made.

* DWM made.

* Luftwaffe proofed.

* "Swiss" marked.

Note : The Swiss marked one (small Swiss cross) are more than likely forgeries...stamping probably added in the USA for increased dollar sales. The Swiss collectors do not report such a tool in use in Switzerland by the military.

I think my tool started out its life as a German made tool and had its "swiss cross' added and a nice polish and blueing job done. I bought it as a 'curiosity"...knowing its markings were suspect...

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...ols_fronts.jpg


http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...ools_backs.jpg


Close-up of the Erfurt mark :

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...tool_copy2.jpg


Close-up of the Luffewaffe acceptance stamp :


http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...affe_tool_.jpg


Close-up of the "Swiss" (made-up...) mark :


http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/swiss_tool.jpg

I Thank everyone who repled and those who will in the future.

Now for the $64 question: does anyone have an original unmarked one for sale?

admiral1960 -

Suggestion: Post your interest in buying one in the "Wanted To Buy" section of the message board. It is the last section.

Mauser720 - Ron

Thanks again !!

yes i do
please send a private message

Here is a close-up of my newly acquired Erfurt tool...stamping is very clear.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...tool_front.jpg

Nice !!

Allen,

Did you ever find the TD tool you were looking for...?

Yes, I did. Thank you for asking.

I paid more than I wanted to but it does appear to be original and unmarked.

I also need a side plate with SN 02 on it and have located one but am having a little sticker shock.

However I should be able to sell mine (unmarked) for close to what the one with SN 02 will cost.