Evaluation on DWM 1917
 

Hi

I just recieved this DWM 1917 and holster and I have some questions regarding its condition. Once I got it home and started taking detailed close up photos I noticed that the reciever sn has been over struck ( a possible explanation is that it was done at the factory ). Also the halo around the serial number has been questioned. The previous owner has a registration for this gun in his name from the early sixties. He says he never shot it, only fondling it occasionally. My question is, what have I got, is it a keeper or a shooter? If it's only a shooter than I will probably have it rebarreled to take it off the prohibited list (it's a Canadian B.S. law).

All numbered parts are correctly stamped with sn.


Photos of the reciever

more pics

It looks like a factory overstamp, (mistake) to me.

chilidawg

Very tough call!

I can only say the SN suffix bothers me on both the frame and barrel .

There appears to be shadows in both, and that would be unusual.

Maybe try taking some more pictures with different lighting and see if the shadows are really there.

I don't like how the letter is formed, could still be OK but worth a look.

Vern

As requested

chilidawg

What we need is another example of a 1917 "g" suffix gun to be sure-> so I am asking the other members for help.

I noticed what looks to be rough file marks on the forward edge of the lower receiver just in front of the take down lever? You may want to compare to other 1917's.


Go slow, don't jump to any conclusions, some members have already said they like your gun.


Vern

I found this 1917/1920 Police Rework. This example is less than 50 numbers from mine. I blocked the sn since I don't have permission to post it.

The "g" appears to also be an overstamp... IMHO there is no way to determine WHEN the overstamps took place. The COULD be from the factory under wartime conditions, or they could be an attempt to MAKE a matching pistol that would be worth a lot more by forced matching or deception.

Under the 'G" my eyes see an "S" is the original suffix stamp on the frame...and also possible on the barrel.

Others may disagree, but IMHO I would have to categorize the as a shooter simply because of the doubts of origin of the serial number marks. Sorry!

I am afraid I do not agree with the overstamp assessment. To me the "g" looks perfectly acceptable. If you look at Vern's enhanced image you can see a small dent next to the letter, but other than that everythinge else looks OK. The serial number on the side of the receiver is an obvious overstamp, but with everything else on the gun matching I have to believe it is a factory error as alanint postulated. How likely is it that someone could find a receiver that was only one number off but had the correct serial number on the barrel and then fake the receiver number by overstamping it. Having said that however, I do not like the halo around the receiver number. It could have been caused by a factory restrike after blueing to correct the error but that is pure conjecture. Everything else about the gun looks legit and I would be reluctant to automatically relegate it to shooter status.

P.S. Upon re-looking at the photos it appears that the trigger and safety are blued. It could be just the lighting. Chilidawg can you verify if they are blue or straw?

chili -

What is it about the barrel that makes it prohibited??? And what would you rebarrel it with to make it un-prohibited??? :confused:

9mm to 7.65mm???

I agree with Ron Wood. What would be gained in value by restricking a "g" production code over an "s" production code in two places on the gun?

1. can you verify if they are blue or straw?

It's a little weak but all strawed parts are correct.

2. What is it about the barrel that makes it prohibited???

Canadian Firearms Law states any firearm with a barrel less than 4.1 inches is prohibited. I can still possess this class of firearm because I owned one before the law came into effect. If my licence lapses or I sell off all my prohibited firearms then I lose this right forever.

PS maybe I could stretch the barrel with a torch, I only need a quarter of an inch. (don't look at me like that, i'm just joking)

More pics

I just read on another forum that the first part of the serial number is stamped inside the sideplate.

Hey Ron W. :bigbye:I can only report what my eyes think they see... Without a hands on inspection of the suffix with a jewelers loupe, I can't disagree or contest what you think you see... Just report what I see in the pictures.

Opinions are like...uh,, elbows, everybody has some! :cheers:

John,
I respect your opinions, and your elbows! Looks like a neat gun whatever the case may be.:thumbup:

Thanks for all the great responses. I do believe that the gun is good. As I stated before the previous owner had this gun for 45 years, and was sure sad to see it's sale forced on him. The price was right, so I can't complain even if some think it's not a collector. As I was leaving the guys house, he made me promise to take care it. I'm now thinking of selling off some of my other guns to get more Lugers. I think I've caught the Luger bug.:thumbup:

Chili..Looks like a rightous pistola to me! Nice ...lots of finish. Like eatin tater chips..can't just have one! And yes..take good care of it. Buy it a playmate....

Jerry Burney