Unusual Marking
 

Gentlemen,
Can anyone identify these marks?

Hi Duane,

What are the markings? Hard to make out in the photo. Possibly a proof test gun?

Ron

Interesting that this is on a Navy luger. Randy Bessler has for sale a very similar (same one??) luger. This was at the most recent Reno show. Those present postulated that the marking was some form of Weimar unit mark. Of course, no proof exists!

Doc,

They're not Weimar marks that I have ever encountered. I recall reading or seeing something that stated a "V" stamp on the chamber indicated that it was used for Test purposes.

They could be some type of Freikorps markings, but very unusual if so.

Ron

Luger is located on this site. It is the one on Besslers web site. I have bought from him before.

http://www.collectorfirearms.org/

It doesn't look like any police marking I've seen.

Maybe just a coincidence, but the 9mm Parabellum was designated the cartridge 08 and also is known as 9X19. V = Test(?), 8 = 08, 019 = X 19mm. a test pistol for 08 9X19mm ammunition?

Just a WAG on my part, but plausible.

Ron

On a side note, is that a grip safety gun, and if so am I seeing that the top of the safety bar is serrated?
dju

Here's a side view from Randy's on line catalog. Regards

I handled this Navy at the Reno show. Randy mentioned that he knew of (or had seen in the past) a similarly marked Navy luger. Ron's learned and logical theory is a good as any!