Artillery Luger questions - pics
 

Hi everyone, I recently came across the forum while researching a friend's artillery Luger. Would love to get your expert opinion on it. I've attached pics below. It has been in my friend's family for some time but I don't recall the whole story on it. From the little research I've done I can tell that it's a DWM artillery luger although I can't tell the year. I can tell that the barrel doesn't match the frame, but the sights appear to match the barrel and the action parts match the frame (mostly?). I could use some help deciphering:

- Year of manufacture of the frame and barrel assembly
- The meaning of "19" stamped behind the DWM marking
- The meaning of "76" stamped on the rear of the action (does this mean it's a non-matching part?)
- The proof marks on the frame and barrel

Any other observations in areas I didn't touch on would be welcome. My friend does not have the stock or drum mag and may have the holster but is not sure. Pics below. I am quite familiar with pistols but not lugers so any and all help appreciated!

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger1_copy8.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger10_copy4.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger9_copy5.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger11.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger2_copy18.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger7_copy6.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger3_copy10.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger4_copy7.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger5_copy7.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger6_copy7.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/luger8_copy6.jpg

welcome to the forum Andy, I am at work, and since you didn't post pictures here on the forum, they are blocked by my work.

if there is NOT a 4 digit number on the top of the receiver, i.e. 1914, 1915, 1916 or 1918, then it was not a war time artillery, but probably a commericial 1920's.

What is the serial number (since I can't see pics)?

The last two of the serial number would be in BOTH locations you said above; so yes, most likely mismatched rear toggle.


Ed

Ed,

There are views of everything BUT the top of the receiver. The side of the receiver above the take down lever has a crown over N and a "Made in Germany" stamp

PLEASE read the sticky post in the New Collectors Forum regarding the posting of Photos here on the forum...

It appears to be a 1920 commercial import that someone has added an artillery barrel and sight assembly to. No collector value at all.

Thanks John, I have updated the photos.
The front of the receiver is blank, no number. Pics are updated now so you can see the serial number.

I thought that might be a possibility...is there a way to determine whether a particular receiver started life as an artillery?

Yes, it would have a notch machined into the top foremost part of the receiver that allowed the rear sight to be lowered fully. This is not fool proof as almost all Erfurt receivers after 1914 have the notch but Erfurt made no artilleries during the years 1916-1918.

I was able to find photos of other people's pistols that clearly show the notch, and mine definitely does not have the notch.

Any idea of the value as it stands? The finish is very nice, it's got a bit of a patina on the frame but the barrel has very little wear on the finish and there's no pitting. It's not a bad shooter either.

$800-$1000 if I had it on a gun show table, it might sell for around $1100, but I bet it would mostly likely sell in todays market around $950 to $1000 ;)


Ed