"S" stamp
 

Gents,
what kind of stamp is this? (S)

Andy,

Everyone would like to know the answer to that.

Here's an extensive survey thread started by Dwight Gruber, one of the most "Techno" savvy members on Lugers we have.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ghlight=Circle


Ron

Just to confuse the issue even more, two of the Navies in the Navy List have the circle S stamp on their left receivers, and neither have police markings. The first, a 1906 1st Altered, #4304a, is illustrated in "The Navy Luger" by John Walter, the second, a 1917 #620a, has it's chamber marked 1920/1917. Both have 6" barrels and two position Navy sights. Regards, Norm

Ron, Norme, thank you!

Interesting gun. Obviously a police gun that used to have a sear safety and magazine safety. I note the unusual front sight (looks very low profile). Take down lever not original but looks expertly made (damage to side plate, etc. suggests how original might have been broken). Coloring of barrel suggests it might be a replacement. Can't tell from first photo: is it a navy magazine or aftermarket?
Although Dwights survey was inconclusive the 1920 property mark and police mods seem to be typical.
KFS

Norm, correction on circle S Navy. #260a not 620a John

Karl, it's an aftermarket magazine, not a navy mag.

Is there a number stamped on the back of the frame?

--Dwight

Where exactly?

Andy, it would be above the lanyard loop.

Also, is there any evidence that there may have once been a marking on the front grip strap?

Don,
there are no markings on the grip strap but there is a x-out # above the lanyard loop.

Andy, I'm sure Dwight can comment more knowledgeably on the rear frame marking; however, these are found on many, if not most, of the police Lugers with the circled-S stamp. In several instances, specifically the Lugers of the Schupo of Mannheim, the numbers on the rear frame match the property numbers on the grip strap (see www.historywritinsteel.com).

Thanks alot Don,

:thumbup: