barrel markings on police rework
 

These marking are from a 1920 Reichswehr property marked PO8 that at one time went into police service (It has the sear safety). I've been searching around this sight and Jan Still's Gunboards and I cant figure out what these markings mean. Unfortunatly the frame and barrel were polished and reblued which doesn't help. One of the marks I'm certain is a 25 with something above it and the other ??

I guess the pictures didn't work I'll try it again

The marking on the upper right of the barrel may be the Berlin police armory proof PTV/E (or TP/E, if 1935 or later) which would be consistent with rebarreling by the police. I can't tell anything about the other stamp. More info about the gun and better photos may help.

Thanks for the quick reply. I've posted a few more pics. Seriel # 3052 a

I think this is better

I can't really tell from the photos but the other stamp may be a Simson acceptance stamp E/33 or E/6, indicating the barrel was purchased from Simson by the police armory. It may also be from some other supplier. Is there a single digit number on the bottom of the barrel?

The 1920 on the chamber is the manufacture date, not the government property stamp. It is consistent with the serial number 3052a.

Is there anything stamped on the front grip strap?

I cropped the picture.

There is no other #s on the strap or under the barrel. Here's a couple more photos.

Here's an interesting mark

I was told this was a very early possibly first issue PO8.

SU 25 is a stamp sometimes claimed as a rework or simply a issue stamping.

This was an early 1908 (stamped with proofs and acceptance as expected on the left) and then the gun was modified with a hold open; this is shown with your picture of the acceptance marking on the right of the frame.

Then stamped with 1920 reichswehr property stamping; thats not a date and then went into police service at soem point.


Ed

Now that I see the rest of the photos, I agree with Ed.

Your stamp on the side of the receiver is the arsenal proof when a holdopen was added, which original P08s did not have...

Thanks guys,

I was told by a friend that the smaller mark was from an added hold open, which indicated an early luger, but I wanted to double check. Sorry about the piecemeal photos, but the files were huge and I could only do one or two at a time.

Was the SU above the 25? That would explain the mark above the 25. What about the other faint stamp?

You guys are amazing. I don't know how you keep all this stuff straight, but I'm glad your willing to share you information.