1917 DWM LP08 with unusual barrel stamp
 

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What is this stamp on the barrel? Im guessing its a British capture stamp. If it is, does such a stamp enhance the value? Your comments are appreciated.

Not a capture stamp. It's a British proof stamp required of every firearm in England. There should be several more and the frame. A search of British proof marks can give you more info. As enhancing value, I'll leave that to others with more experience.

Woody

Birmingham Nitro Proof. Not a capture stamp. As I understand, pistols sold (after 1955) thru the UK needed this proof to be sold or exported. My observation has been it does not raise the value of the gun, but it does seem to slow the sale. My opinion is diehard collectors would pass, waiting for a clean example.

Woody, what G41M said! Good shooter at the right price. In my worthless opinion, the only Luger that's desirable that has British proofs is the VICKERS LTD.

Jack

What Jack and GM41 said, absolutely agree.

Here is one I have with those British Proofs. This is a Remington-Rand from 1944 that was sent to England under lend lease. Never issued, and finally released by the British Govt. I previously had a Colt similarly proofed. Some scoff at the proofing and reduce value and others are willing to pay a premium. Your choice. I like it.

Woody

I do find it interesting that the 1911 was proofed at 14000 PSI and the Luger war 30,000 PSI.

Woody

Apples and oranges as to P08 vs 1911 with British proofs. U.S. Lend lease 1911 with British proofs has its place in a couple ways for collectability. P08 with Bristish proofs not Lend lease and applied later in time because it went to that country. This makes it unappealing for collecting to me. Nice 1911 by the way. Tally Ho!

P.S. I like the LP08 also, just the British proof, not so much.

Thank you one and all the informative replies to my inquiry.

A friend and i attended an estate auction recently that consisted of about 60 firearms. This DWM LP08 was the only Luger in the bunch and was all matching, except for the period correct mag. I chose not to bid. My friend acquired it for $2800.

Did he do well in your opinion?

Probably but without more detailed pictures it's impossible to be sure.

The largest number of LP08's were produced in 1917 and they are quite common. As stated above, the British proofs would have led me away from it, but, to each their own. Decent 1917's can be had for around that or less without the proofs. To me the redeeming factor here would have been to see it in hand.

Doubs, I did not take any other photos, just the ones showing the British stampings, as those unusual stampings concerned me and I lost interest in bidding on it. I also did not want to compete with my friend who had a strong interest in acquiring it. I agree that I asked a rather dubious question about value without providing many additional photos to determine the condition and value.

Dan, I hear you. I do already own a minty 1917 DWM LP08 that is matching except for the mag. Thank you for your comment.

Woody, sounds like you're becoming quite a Luger collector.

Jack

I'm out money for now. LOL

Woody