LugerForum Discussion Forums - So you thought the first post was good....

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So you thought the first post was good....

Craig,

Another very nice Luger. This one is a first-contract DWM Dutch Luger, part of a shipment of 1,391 guns which were delivered early in 1912.

Dutch Lugers served the Dutch East Indies Army in Indonesia, and the tropical environment was very hard on them. Most were arsenal refinished at least once during their wervice, this one probably was. This authentic rework does not significantly affect the value of these Dutch pistols.

Barrels were particularly subject to wear and corrosion, and were replaced frequently. The serial number stamping on your gun suggests that it is a rebarrel. In this case, the date indicates that the new barrel was installed in 1928.

Grips also deteriorated quickly, and are frequently found replaced. The Indonesia-made grips are of poorer quality than the original DWM issue, and the right grip on this gun displays the coarse checkering characteristic of these replacements.

Original contract Dutch magazines were made with a disassembly feature which failed in use and was modified to solidly fix the base into the magazine body. Check the back of the magazine near the bottom to see if there is a small, square cut into it; if there is, check to see if the base is pinned in by one or two pins.

The marring of the left side panel is remnant of a brass unit mark plate which has been removed.

The armory which repaired and refinished Dutch Lugers was called the Geweermakerschuul, located near what is now Jakarta, Indonesia. This armory manufactured many replacement parts for the Luger, and often (but not always) stamped these parts GS. Check your Luger thoroughly for GS marked parts, starting with the right grip.

All the information you ever wanted to know about Dutch Lugers can be found in the book The Dutch Luger by Bas Martens and Guus de Vries, a comprehensive, interesting, and readable history of these guns.

It looks like your grip safety spring may be broken or missing, a replacement can be had from Tom Heller who goes by Lugerdoc on this Forum.

--Dwight

Craig, can you give us some background/ yours? Dad's, stolen from down the street?

It is nice to see rarer / nice guns, but some background and background knowledge is nice. You have no location, you don't sign your name, give minimal information etc. All pet peeves of mine.

PS: Not sure which I am more jealous of, this one or the carbine ;) I lived in the Netherlands for 7 years, so have a special place in my heart (but not in my collection, don't have one right now :()

Sorry Ed, I am new to the Luger forum and didn't want to give away my secrets yet ;)

I am in Canada and the lugers are owned by a buddy of mine. He is a military collector (as am I) but we don't know a lot about Lugers (not purist Luger collectors, just general overall military), except what I have in books (Lugers at Random, World of Lugers, The Luger Story, etc). He may be planning to sell off about 8 of them and 4 Mauser Broomhandles to fund another purchase. I want to learn more so I can know what I am getting in to (value wise). I also would like to pick some of them up but need to know what to look for to make sure they are original (or proper).

The other thing is I don't know what to ask about them, what markings to look for to help. Lugers, for me anyway, have been one of those mysterious mistresses that you covet but know little about.

Tips on books to get for reference are always good and helpful as well :)

Besides the 2 I have posted, he also has a couple of Artillery (or Navy) long barreled Luger's as well. I can post pictures of if there is interest.

I appreciate any assistance and advice that I get.

Cheers,
Craig

P.S. Ed, I updated my profile just for you :D

Quote
(Besides the 2 I have posted, he also has a couple of Artillery (or Navy) long barreled Luger's as well. I can post pictures of if there is interest.)

Are you kidding? Any interest?The first two are high dollar lugers. Sounds like the others will be also. Especially a Navy.
Mike C.

Quote:

Originally posted by Missing Something

Cheers,
Craig

P.S. Ed, I updated my profile just for you :D

I just have to play "moderator" at times, ;) Outstanding collection so far... :)

ed