DWM and Mauser Serial Number Ranges?
 

I'm still trying to get a handle on DWM and Mauser serial numbers. I've looked around in the forums but so far only find bits and pieces. Of course Jan Still's books cover the subject well but they're out of print and difficult to find. Of the books I do have only Aarron Davis' "Standard Catalog Of Luger" gives much detail (probably using Jan Still's data as his source).

If anyone has the time I'd sure appreciate any help. This is what I have so far, does it look anyhere close? Or any web links to more on this? Thanks, Bob.

DWM serial numbers:
1913 - 3000 to 315e
1914 - 97 to 8375c
1915 - 220 to 8500l
1916 - 80 - 7060q
1917 - 211 to 3575n
1918 - 121 to 6248s

Mauser serial numbers:
1934 - 1 to 930a
1935 - 931a to 6000f
1936 - 6001f to 4500p
1937 - 4501p to 800b
1938 - 801b to 4500n
1939 - 4501n to 8250z
1940 - 7700z to 7000n (numbers overlap)
1941 - 2500n to 10000a (numbers overlap)
1942 - 1b to early m block

Hey Bob, it's me again!!

I can't speak for your DWM Ranges, but the Mauser Ranges are pretty close. At least close enough for government work. There is a bit more overlap that you have shown, but pretty darn good data.

Of course you realize that each year will normally consist of one or more subvariations! For instance, the G-Date (1935) Lugers have six subvariations, while the 1940 only has one!! These subvariations are usually changes in the Waffenamt Marks, but sometimes they are major changes in the basic markings!

Good goin'!!

:)

Thanks, Frank! I'm trying to learn but have a long way to go. I was amazed how you and others here were able to ID the DWM frame of my mixed wars Luger.

Fascinating stuff! I keep thumbing through my copies of Datig, Kenyon and Walther's books and the newer one by Davis and of course reading here as well. There's so much to learn. I won an ebay auction for Luger Variations by Jones so hopefully that will arrive in a few days and help fill in more gaps. Still you guys are light years ahead of me!

Hi Bob,

I can tell something about DWM guns madein 1918. Looking at the Walter book the estimation for the production in 1918 was around 130.000 guns, the serial would be from 1 to 9950l.

What i can assure is the high end of this range is quite correct, because i have a 1918 DWM with serial number 9753l.

Hope this help

Ciao

Alberto

DWM 1915
 

The number of my military DWM 1915 is 935a

Oops, sorry I missed your replies until now Alberto and CROLUGER. Hey, thanks for the info!

Take care,

Bob