help with police markings / year?
 

I have a P08 from the Landjägerei of the district of Arnsberg (L.Ar.200). I'm trying to get a fix on what year it is. All part serials match up (2780), there are no markings on the toggle or anywhere on top except for the part serial numbers.

Below is a pic of the markings on the right side of the receiver. I'm having trouble matching them up with anything. I'm hoping perhaps someone here can recognize them?

I can provide additional pictures if necessary.

thanks!
--Rob

Rob,

This is almost certainly what is known as a 29 DWM manufactured in 1929 and issued to the Prussian Landjägerei. Below the serial number on the front of the frame should be the script letter suffix s, t or u. The gun has been heavily buffed but there are apparent remnants of a WaA66 acceptance. The lack of a DWM logo is consistent with this id.

For my database of police markings, I would appreciate knowing the letter suffix and whether or not the pistol has or had sear and mag safeties. Thanks very much.

Ok, I think now it's starting to make sense. There is a U under the serial. It has sear and magazine safeties (mag safety cutoff before the trigger). Does this mean it's a so-called "sneak"?

Also, the breechblock doesn't have the crown over N. Instead, it has a barely discernable stamp...seems like some type of bird. Does this mean it was produced after 4/1/40? Or that it simply wasn't tested with "nitro"?

thanks again,
--Rob

Rob, the "bird" on the breechblock is probably the same Weimar proof eagle as can be partially seen on the right side of the receiver. These pistols were accepted and proofed by the military and would not have commercial C/N proofs.

It is what many collectors call a "sneak."

I would certainly be interested in seeing more photos of this gun.

No problem, here they are. It's not too pretty though. :)