My First Luger
 

First off, as a new luger owner, my thanks to those of you who have put this outstanding web page together!!! I believe it has already answered most of my questions and my first post here is more to validate what model I think my Luger is. Of course I'd also appreciate a rough idea of its value if anyone would care to offer an opinion. I realize that is a very difficult question and just looking for a range it might fall in. I bought it as a shooter so would appreciate any advice, I'm guessing this is a fairly common model so shooting it will not detract from its value.

I believe what I have is a 1920 Commercial. It appears to be in all original condition with some small blemishes / very minor pitting. Other than that there is almost no apparent wear to the bluing. The serial number is 8289L (can it be dated from the serial number?). Every small part on the pistol that contains a number has the last two digits 89 so it would seem to be all matching numbers. The magazine has the wood grip but I can find no number on the magazine. The caliber is 7.65/30 Luger. The grips are solid and in good shape but could use some cleaning. The right grip shows some distinct discoloration blotches. According to the person I received this from, it has been sitting in a drawer on its right side on a cloth for about the last 40 years. On the right side of the frame, stamped upside down, appear to be the words MADE IN GERMANY. Actually, the stamping is faint and only MA ----- ERMANY is clear enought to be certain. The only other markings are the typical (for the 1920 Commercial model as I understand it) serial numbers on frame and bbl, two digit numbers on parts, proof marks, DMW logo on toggle, and saftey indication. From what I can tell, the barrel/frame witness marks are perfectly aligned which leads me to think the barrel has not been removed/altered. Bore seems to be clean with good sharp lands/grooves.

I'd appreciate any comments on this pistol!

I've created an album and trying to add pictures from it below, hope they come out.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/album.ph...&pictureid=599

http://forum.lugerforum.com/album.ph...&pictureid=600

http://forum.lugerforum.com/album.ph...&pictureid=601

http://forum.lugerforum.com/album.ph...&pictureid=597

http://forum.lugerforum.com/album.ph...&pictureid=602

Looks like a good shooter. I have it's cousin in the M range. Quoting partially from Still's "Weimar and Early Lugers'. .".. . the alphabet DWM Luger was produced from 1921-1928 from a combination of new and surplus parts." Letter range is from i to r. Estimated production 90,000. (I hope I'm in the right table).

Here's more on disassembly: http://www.wonderhowto.com/search/luger/

And this may tell you the worth. Remember these are 'retail' prices. I paid $1000 for mine. Looks to be identical condition to yours.

https://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php...fdfdbebfdb1f95

You may have some troubles with the firing pin not cocking for the second shot. I did. But the fix is a sticky under repairs section. Very easy to do.


FN

Thats a really nice Commercial. You will really enjoy shooting it. Congrats!

Charlie

S# 8289L was made in 1923. Weimar Lugers, chart on pg. 15.

Purty! Good score!

Gentlemen, thanks very much for all the input!

I have a few remaining questions at this point, regarding what appears to be the MADE IN GERMANY stamp.

1. Was this stamp normally applied during or after manufacture? I'm assuming this was stamped, not machined into the metal.

2. As mentioned, the stamping is not very clear, it is deep for the "MA", very faint where I think the "DE IN G" should be, faint but readable for the "ER" and again deep for the "MANY". It is not like the faint area is worn with use, just not originally stamped deeply. Also, the letters do not appear to be perfectly aligned, almost like the letters were stamped individually, not stamped or engraved as one unit. Is this normal?

3. This stamping is also "upside down" in relation to how it is viewed when looking at the pistol. Is this also normal?

Thanks in advance!

The made in Germany stamps were applied by the importer/exporter and were done to comply with certain US laws requiring a firearm's origin to be clearly stated. As such, the quality or aesthetics of the stamp was unimportant to the broker moving the gun.
The factory would never allow such sometimes sloppy work.
To answer your question, poorly applied Germany stamps are not uncommon.