Mausers "3's"
 

Reading LugerVerns reply in yesterdays post on numbers, where Dwm 3's are normally rounded and Mausers are flat topped. It seems on Mausers this is true except for the 3 on the frame. It is, at least sometimes, different than the rest of the number 3 on the firearm. This is true on mine and others I have looked at with a 3 in the serial number. The 3 on the frames is rounded. Any idea why? Bill

I just searched "Third Reich Lugers" page by page, the only one has round "3" on frame is on page 104, Ku Luger. Major numbers are round on this rare instance (major #: Frame, side plate, and toggle).

Flat top "3" is also true on most C96. Early guns do have round top "3". I believe somewhere before 1910, they changed it to flat top "3".

Alvin
Also the 1's are different. See Still Third Reich, Frontispiece B, pages 57, 83 and 162. Unfortunately not many in this book show the frame number. The one on page 104 has the round 3 on the receiver, can't see the frame. I have 3 Mausers with 3 or 1 in the serial number and the font style is different beteen the frame and the rest of the firearm. At least true for 3's and 1's. Frontispiece B and page 162 show the 3 difference between the frame and the rest of the luger. Pages 57 and 83 show the 1 difference. Bill

Bill, you're right. I wrongly mentioned number on frame, should be number on receiver. Books seldomly shows the front of the gun.

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How is the barrel number on round top "3" frame?

Alvin
The barrel and the other s are flat top 3 and same 1. The change of font only seems to be on the frame. Years ago I passed on a very nice Mauser because I thought the numbers were forced due to the difference. Bill

Bill, when you get into Mausers there don't seem to be any ironclad rules.

At the NJ gun collector meeting one of the guys was worried about his 1940 42 (if memory serves me right); and the owner was worried because the frame 3 looked different from the side of the reciever. I remembered that this was brought up and told him it was an accepted variation.

If I remember correctly, the frame had rounded 3's while the rest of the 3's were the straight edge at the top 3.

Ed

A round "3" on frame byf 42 black ?? :)

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=121147699

Just went back over some older posts. Look under All PO8 Military category 3/18/2002, Serial # tech. question. A discussion on Mauser serial number differences especially 3's. Bill

You guys can't remember a specific post from 2002? Wow, you guys need that viagra, uh, I mean ginko pills. :D

Not very good on computer usage. Could you post a link for that 2002 topic? I could not find it. Thanks.

Here you are:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ighlight=fonts