LugerForum Discussion Forums

LugerForum Discussion Forums (https://forum.lugerforum.com/index.php)

- New Collectors Forum (https://forum.lugerforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=133)

- - 1923 Commercial (https://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=13523)

Question from a would-be collector:

What features differentiate a 1923 Commercial from a 1920?

The serial number. A so-called "1923 Commercial" (really a 1920 Commercial) will have a 5-digit serial number. A "1920 Commercial", also called an "Alphabet Commercial" will have a 4-digit serial number and a small letter suffix. Both will have a vertical Crown/N proof.

Ron, I am thinking I have seen new made (1920's era) with a horizontal crown N proof?

ed

Dang, and here I thought it was only three years!

Dang Herb, You're really on a roll tonight....

For sure, for sure, three Kentucky Whiskys and one Tootsie

Ron, thanks for the info on serial numbers.

Would a 1923 AE follow the same numbering rule?

Do 1920 AE's exist?

Ed,
I am of the opinion that the horizontal Crown/N were either the last of the so-called 1914 Commercials or produced during a transition period around 1919-1920 that ran up into the 74000-79000 commercial range that were predominantly 4-inch barrek 9mm, including the 1921 Basil Police contract, and are not really the start of the 1920 5-digit Commercials that were produced under the Treaty of Versailles restrictions. There are those that disagree with me and think that these should be classified as 1920's with a lazy Crown/N, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Ponyman,
Yes, a 1920's AE would be a 5-digit serial number, and I believe I have seen a couple (not Stoeger) in the 80,000 serial number range. I know of no 4-digit "Alphabet" American Eagles.

Thanks again. I have 753 script l Commercial, still looking for an AE.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron Wood
Ed,
I am of the opinion that the horizontal Crown/N were either the last of the so-called 1914 Commercials or produced during a transition period around 1919-1920 that ran up into the 74000-79000 commercial range that were predominantly 4-inch barrek 9mm, including the 1921 Basil Police contract, and are not really the start of the 1920 5-digit Commercials that were produced under the Treaty of Versailles restrictions. There are those that disagree with me and think that these should be classified as 1920's with a lazy Crown/N, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Ponyman,
Yes, a 1920's AE would be a 5-digit serial number, and I believe I have seen a couple (not Stoeger) in the 80,000 serial number range. I know of no 4-digit "Alphabet" American Eagles.

Ron,

I have a whole batch of them listed between 74900-76000, the puzzling thing is that they are interspersed with 1920DWM in the same range. Most (but not all) of the numbers come from Reupke, in the November '05 issue of AutoMag. He refers to them as 1916 Commercial. I'm not sure what to make of them.

The only 5-digit American Eagle in the 1920DWM 5-digit serial range I have recorded is a Safe/Loaded AE serial #74797, very nearly the beginning of the range.

And in Luger collecting there is always one gun to confound the system: Safe/Loaded American Eagle Alphabet Commercial (vertical c/N) serial# 1491k is owned by a Luger Forum member.

--Dwight