Serial number marking on parts
 

Gentlemen,

It's funny how I keep noticing new things about my Lugers as time passes - or rather, it's funny how I've missed them earlier.

This time I am a little confused about the procedure of marking small parts with the last two digits of the serial number.

My US test Luger doesn't have any markings on the toggle bolt, nor do my DWM 1911, LP DWM 1916 or Erfurt 1918. When I get to DWM 1920 and upwards to byf 1942 the two last digits are suddenly there. Can anybody shed some light on this?

Also, the magazine release is not (visibly) marked on any of my Lugers. Why not, since they seem to have gone overboard on marking most other parts?

Balder

Balder,

Very unsure.

erfurts should have the erfurt acceptance stamp on the right side of the mag release.

not 100% sure on the 1911 but the 1916 and the 1918 should have the last two on the rear toggle, you are saying toggle bolt, so assume you mean the back of the toggle? If toggle bolt, I am unsure.


Ed

Edward,

Thanks - yes, the toggle bolt. The rear one to be more specific.

Balder

I beleive Balder is refering to the rear axle pin. Mauser started numbering them in 1934 (K date). Pre 1934 Lugers that were reworked or repaired can have a numbered pin installed. I don't know when or if Simson numbered rear axle pins. Ed could answer that.

Mike,

Thanks and yes, the rear axle pin. If Mauser started this procedure in 1934, I wonder why both my 1920 DWMs are marked with the correct last two digits.

Balder

Actually the instruction for numbering the rear toggle pin was issued in 1932. The numbered pins on your 1920 DWM pistols indicates that the rear toggle pins were replaced after that date.

--Dwight

Mag release buttons were not numbered externally on Erfurts, DWM's or Mausers.

Thanks to all!

Balder