Need help dating a commercial gun
 

I just bought a very clean DWM that is marked in the commercial manner in regards to the serial numbers on parts.

The proof marks are on the left side of the receiver/barrel assembly in front of the side plate. Eagle, crown over a T and crown over a 3. There is no toggle hold open and no stock lug. The chamber is not dated.

The serial number is 434a and the entire gun is matching save for the magazine.

The gun is easily in the 95%-98% range the only things hurting it are that the side plate, while correctly marked 34 on the bottom, has been stamped 09 on the side, x'd out then stamped above that 434. The front strap, right above the bottom of the grip frame, is stamped B.M.S.45.

The gun is a vet bring-back and came with a WWI holster. The story is the widow's husband took it off a dead german in WWII and the gun was possibly used in police service prior to WWII. I will speak to her next week and get the whole story.

Can anyone help me with an approx. production year?

I just realized there is no eagle over a crown. Could this be a military gun?

Jim, I gave you a response in the Military Luger section.

Jim, I gave you a response in the Military Luger section.

Jim, The proofing sounds like a DWM 1st issue military made in the 1908-1909 period. According to Jeff Noll's book, the B.M.S. indicates use by the Bavarian Military Gunnery School. TH

Thanks, Tom.