1917 Artillery
 

My new purchase (1917 Artillery) doesn't have any numbers on the grips. I know they should be. How much of a disaster is it. ALL the other numbers match even the sights parts. The grips appear original and have one place of wear. Are of a condition that could be right for the gun. Otherwise I guess I can look for a pair of # 33 grips.
thanks
Jack

add'l request
 

Nobody has any words of wisdom on the grip numbers on 1917 Artillery. Any done without numbers?
thanx
Jack

Hi Jack, I believe that the grips should be numbered. Both my 1917 and 1918 Artilleries have numbered grips. Regards

Regarding your grips and pistol Jack. Are the grips beech or walnut? What letter block is the serial number. I have a '17 in the g block with unnumbered beech grips and a 1918 with unnumbered beech grips. I am certain that both pistold retain their original grips. On other 17's I have from the f block forward the beech grips are numbered. I also note that the serial number as stamped into beech grips is very faint compared to numbers stamped into walnut. Probably a combination of color and texture.

many thanks
 

My luger is of the g block. My other lugers have walnut grips. This one appears to be just like them. I haven't seen a beech wood one. Although I assume that wood is much lighter in color. I haven't cleaned these grips yet. They may be lighter when I take 93 years of grime & grit off. Your comments are very interesting and comforting and appreciated. Tell me more about beech wood ones.

It my understanding that non matching grips are not that important same as the magazine....as long all other numbers match...

It all depends on the gun and who is buying it. If a gun in a particular year and given serial number block are known to have grips numbered to the gun, then un numbered grips would be considered a mismatch or field replacement. If the serial number block is known to be spotty as far as grip numbers, then its ok.
As far as who is buying it; some collectors allow things like non matching mags, firing pins and grips slide, since they are considered "normal wear' of the gun, while others would not consider a gun unless all that matched.

You need to satisfy yourself. The grips may or may not be original, who really knows for sure? Look at it this way: If the grips were in perfect condition and numbered to the gun, someone would tell you that they were fake. Un-numbered, original-appearing grips wouldn't stop me from buying a this gun. In fact, I have a 1917 artillery luger with un-numbered grips in the "k" suffix range and I am very pleased with it.

Remember: Opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one.

Doug

Correct but un-numbered grips would not scare me away. But I'd try to buy it for less...
dju