Where and how are WWI DWM grips numbered??
 

This is probably a dumb question, but, where and how are WWI DWM grips numbered. Can someone refer me to a site with pictures??? Thanks!!!
nj

I don't believe all grips were numbered. The ones that I have seen have the last two digits of the sereal number in the center of the inside of each grip. I am sure there is a picture posted some where. You might do a seach on an auction site and see if you might find something.

John, we failed to welcome you to the forum!

Grips were numbered some years, some they were not. since lugers were made by several manufacturers over 50 years, there are many variations.

I am almost positive that most DWM's were marked with the last two, but can not swear on that!


Ed

Hi,

My 1913 DWM (1906 Dutch Contract, commercial style) has the full serial number on the inside of the grip.

Jack, As a rule of thumb, prior to the end of WW1 both military & commerical luger grips would have had the last 2 digit stamped inside each grip panel, Contract gun were done to the buyers specifications (eg M1908 Bulgarians -- no serial, Dutch contract == many will have the full 4 digits stamps from top to bottom). After WW1, most commercial and some military grips will be unnumbered, until Mauser took over in 1930 when most military grips were again numbered, per existing regulations. TH

Tom -

Your comments above are consistent with my observations with the exception that I have seem several 1908 DWM "First Military Issue" Lugers with grips that appear to be original and unnumbered.

Could the 1908 FMIs be an exception?

Luke

Luke, I can't say for sure, but the 1st issue DWM militaries were numbered in the commerical fashion, and the commerical grips were being numbered at that time. As I recall, the military placement of serials & proofs was implimented in 1910 or 1911 and did call specifically for numbered grips. TH