Luger Stamping Question
 

I have a question on this P-08. Pistol is all matching and a sear safety has been added.All matching numbers with a matching mag. with a number 1 and an Eagle L waffenampt. No grip strap markings. Bluing was refinished at some point post war but the straw seems original.

My question is on the left side of the frame are the numbers 1920.

I was always under the impression that these Police reworks were always stamped 1920 on the chamber next to the production date. Is this uncommon or common?

I have never seen one with the 1920 stamp in that position.

I have seen other guns marked this way, but yes, not common.
Remember, the 1920 is not a date, although it was implemented in 1920 (thus you'll see 1920 over 1920). The 1920 was a gov't stamping (see FAQ and download it :) ) - as they were trying to get weapons off the streets (Allied commission) and thus weapons were given a bounty and they felt that if marked, they'd be less likely to be stolen and returned.

The eagle L is nazi era police.

Odd that the mag matches the serial number of the pistol right?

Not really, for a pistol that went into police service. The mag has an aluminum bottom, Nazi proof, and is numbered "!" in police fashion. Not originally issued with the gun, and not period correct for when the Luger was made, but definitely appropriate for this pistol.

So are you saying the pistol went into Police service sometime in WWII?

No, it needed a replacement, so it received a new mag - I have a 2 matching police with an original WW1 wood base and a weimar era aluminum

It could have gone into police service any time after WWI. It received the aluminum bottom mag any time after that style of mag came into use, and obviously when the Nazis ran the show.

Or it is quite possible that someone added the "matching" number magazine - as serendipitous find!

The straw was near certainly redone when the pistol was re-blued, straw is too fresh and uniform to be original.

Another question please. One the 3rd picture you can see a 1/8 size pin on the top of the toggle. What is the purpose as I don't see that on any Mauser made WWII Luger's.

That pin is always there, normally flush with the toggle. It prevents the toggle pin from working its way out sideways.

Hi, the pin is there, it's just harder to see on Mauser Lugers.
Norm

Thanks I see it now.

!920 Stampings
 

I had a Walther Model 4 veteran bring back with the 1920 stamping and a # 2 burnt into the left grip. The vet's unit took Zella Mehlis and collected weapons. The comment at the time was everyone in town had a pistol and there were four firearms factories.Attachment 84723

The "1920" marking on your M4 Walther indicates that it was in the inventory of the German Army in 1920. I believe that you also have an Imperial Crown over a letter, just above the 1920, which indicates Army acceptance in the WW1 era. TH