Jim Elson - Swiss Navy Info...
 

Hello Jim,

I was reading in my copy of Fred A. Datig's book, The Luger Pistol - 1958 revised edition, on pages 85-86 some interesting info. on "unofficial" Swiss lugers.

I quote from Mr. Datig :

1. " It appears that many lugers, of all models, variations, and types, have been imported into Switzerland for many years by private individuals. Under Swiss law, or so the story goes, such imported lugers must be marked with the Swiss Cross over the chamber, Swiss proof marks, or both before the piece may be fired on an official Swiss target range. For this reason, these imported Lugers are usually given over to one of the many fine Swiss gunshmiths and converted to meet Swiss specifications."

2. "Some Swiss conversions will probably be of finer finish and workmansip than the original contract pieces as the Swiss gunsmiths who execute the conversions are without exception past masters at their art".

I will be home this weekend, Jim, if you do not have this book and would like me to scan the entire 2-3 pages of text.

Just let me know... <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Pete - Very interesting and answers some questions. Yes, I would appreciate receiving copy of text for my file. Thanks.

Jim <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Hello Jim,

My belated apologies for not scanning and posting those pages from the Datig book, yet.

I have been traveling and totally swamped with work for the past 1-1/2 weeks.

I will be home all weekend this week and will get you the scanned pages... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Pete, I hope it is okay, but I scanned in these pages for you, I think my copy is older than yours, but this hopefully has the information you were looking for?
Datigs book

Datig 2

Hello Ed,

Thanks so much for the assist...I am sure Jim appreciates your efforts, as well...!!!

Pete & Ed,

My sincere thanks to both of you!! You guys are truly â??gentlemen and scholarsâ?� - especially with regard to our favorite subject â?? Lugers. I have copied these pages for my records and begun a search for a copy of this book. Do I assume it is out of print?

Thanks again,

Jim
<img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

Hello Jim,

I was able to get two (2) copies of the Fred A. Datig book on E-Bay over the past 2-3 months. Both for around $ 35-40.00 each.

I see there are still some up for auction this week.

The original was printed in 1958 and a revised edition was dated 1962. Both are worthy reading for a beginner, such as myself; but some info. is dated but still very interesting historically as it shows how the field of luger collecting and samples of known lugers continued to increase in the 1950's.

I especially enjoyed Mr. Datig's stories of traveling to Germany and meeting Georg Luger Jr. and August Weiss.

I have kept my 1962 copy and sent young Mr. Brandon Metcalf of our Forum my 1958 copy as a gift... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Herr Pete is way too nice!


<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> , Brandon

Brandon,
You bet he is! Actually, the 1958 edition is the "Fourth Revised Printing". The first edition was printed in 1955, second printing 1956 and third printing 1957. I collect first edition copies of anything about Lugers I can find. A first edition Datig is only 208 pages and printed on thinner paper, so it is only about one half as thick as the revised edition. If you can find one in good condition with dust jacket, it may set you back around $100, maybe more!

Hi Ron!
Pete has sent me a total of three Luger books...("Luger The Multi-Natonal pistol","The Luger Pistol", and "1900 Luger U.S. Test Trials") He is one of my best buds [img]smile.gif[/img] (and not just because he has gave me stuff!!!)

Also, I hadn't paid too much attention but now that you mention it The Luger Pistol was first printed in 1955!

I'm trying to get signed copies of Luger books! I have one signed by Charlie Kenyon! I also have "Lugers of Ralph Shattuck" signed by Ralph! I hope to one day have most of my books signed!

Best Regards,
Brandon