Luger id/info please
 

A friend of mine has asked me to help him find out about this Luger and its gear. It was brought back by American soldier who (later in life) was a friend of his. Shortly before his passing the soldier gave him this Luger, in a holster, with a spare mag, and a second top half. For whatever reason, what appears to be the original top was separate and cosmolined and the newer top was installed.
I would love to hear about the markings (which I have attempted to photograph) and any info that you might have. Any ideas why the second top half? Are they different calibers? (I would assume that they would both be 9mm.) Is the holster military issue? I can not find any makers mark on it.

On a side note: I am a 1911 guy an know next to nothing about Lugers. I welcome all education on the matter. Also, I realize that there is a desperate need for a thorough cleaning and lube. None of my handguns are kept in such condition and I have already planned a cleaning session.


Thank you all for your help!

A few more points:
The second and third picture in the first post are of two side of one base-plate. The numbering is on the opposite side when compared to the other mag and there seems to be some marking on the other side, which it what I tried to capture in the third picture.
Here are the pictures of the frame and other top.

Hi Ari, Welcome to the forum. You have a DWM 1st Issue, which dates from 1909. This is a very collectible gun, particularly as it is unit marked to a cavalry regiment. The spare top was made by Mauser in 1940. Regards, Norm

P. S. Both magazines date from WWI, but neither is original to the gun. Norm

In the original DWM top, the retaining pin for the rear toggle link pin appears to be missing. This little pin holds the toggle pin in place, without the retaining pin, it can work loose during shooting (which you don't want :) ).

Thank you both for your replies!
Collectible sounds good. If it was re-issued for WWII would there be any additional markings? I don't know which war the US GI served in, but I think it was WWII. Although, he did pass around twenty years ago, so who knows... I'll see if my friend can clarify some of this.
I will take a closer look at where the pin should be when we get together to clean it. Could it be that the pin is there, just pushed farther in? I think I would have noticed a missing pin.
Any input regarding the holster?
Also, is this chambered in 9mm or .30 Luger?

Hi Ari, It seems like you have a complete, desirable, 1st Issue, plus that Mauser top. My guess is that the barrel of the 1st Issue is in such poor shape, that the previous owner procured the newer top so that he could shoot the gun without changing the barrel. The missing pin that Vlim is referring to is shown in the enclosed photo. Replacing it is no big deal since it is an unnumbered part. Regards, Norm

I believe the collector's value will be negatively impacted by the mis-matched takedown lever, but I defer to the experts here.

It is a nice Luger and it was issued to the Bavarian 2. Chevaulegers regiment Taxis first escadron. This cavalry regiment was stationed in Regensburg and saw action. The first escadron was part of the 11. Bavarian Infantry Division during the Great War and saw action on the eastern front 1915 until mid 1916 and than on the western front.
The added photos are showing another Luger of this regiment and a second holster of this regiment.
Thanks for sharing!
Regards Klaus

On closer inspection (after removing copious amounts of cosmoline) you are correct! Where can I find such a pin?
Thanks.

Great pictures and history! Thanks.

I was wondering why it had 58 stamped on it.



Any comments on the holster or correct caliber?

Also, I checked and the soldier fought in WWII and brought this luger and a browning 1922 back with him. Both had similar shoulder holsters and spare mags.

Both tops should be 9mm luger if made for the military.

Welcome to the forum; I love your avatar.

Ed

An original pin can be obtained from LugerDoc... who is a dealer in Luger parts... The pin diameter size is specified on the Blueprint CD that I sell as 1.5mm, and is approximately 6 to 7 mm long--- if you want to fabricate your own.