Magazine Tubes
 

From discussions on the forum I've gleaned that the earlier mag tubes can be identified by the little staking marks near the top. I don't have a reference book that covers this so have I got this right ?
From the top of the photo ;

Early DWM, rectangular punch mark
Later DWM, semi-circular punch
Erfurt, rectangular punch and noticeably higher on the tube

Also, when did the change from rectangular to semi-circular take place at DWM ?
thanks, Mark

Hi Mark,
The stake marks on early DWM magazine tubes were trapezoidal while the later ones were demi-lune (half moon) shaped. The change took place, as far as I can determine, in 1910. Erfurt stake marks were a true rectangle (sorry, no photo) throughout production.
Regards, Norm

1911

I would add that there appear to be some rectangular DWM stake marks, in addition to the Trapezoid. I have a few tubes with DWM bases, that are not the "yellow" Erfurt color, that sure appear to have the rectangles to me.

Norm has posted a clear picture of a slightly trapezoidal shape, along with the semi circle/demi-lune.

I'll sort through some spares and see what I can find for pictures.

Thanks to Mark for starting this thread, and his good pictures. Maybe you could post corresponding photos of the bases of the mags also?

This is a good thread with good photos and information. Thanks for starting it Mark, it is long overdue.
Ron