identification help please
 

I have recently inherited a Luger from my grandfather who was a cook in the Navy in WW2. I have done some reading about the 1000 that were made for the US military and I would like to know if this is one of them. I think it is.

1. Has a leather US holster with web belt and lettering on the inside of the holster 1918, W.J.D.

2. Has a US eagle stamp on top of the receiver.

3. Has DWM on top of grasshopper

4. Has 715 stamped on the rear of the sight.

5. Has 13715 stamped on the underside of th barrell

6. Has Western 30 Luger ammo still in the clip.

7. Has about 4.5 inch barrell

Gun is in excellent shape and I couldn't resist firing the weapon. What a gun. Works perfectly and shoots hard.

Can someone tell me what I have or where to look or who to talk to about this gun. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

Well lit photos are a must of both the various makings and intetrior of the holster and all the angles/markings on the pistol itself for knowledable people to make a determination.

I like the new term for the Luger's toggle! ....Grasshopper!

Welcome and Happy New Year.

Sounds like a really nice gun but it is probably not a 1900 Test piece. It is far out of the accepted serial number range for these guns.

The holster, of course, stamped 1918, if indeed that is the date, is much younger than the those manufactured for the 1900 Test.

Having said that, photographs are most useful, and there are many experts on this site, (a group to which I do not belong), who can make a determination.

BTW, even if it is not a test piece, it is a potentially valuable piece of machinery, thus I would not recommend firing it until you know exactly what it is. Breaking a serial numbered part could destroy or certainly reduce its value; although, I am sure its real value to you is that it was handed down by your grandfather and is part of the family's legacy.

John

Thanks so much for the info. Not very good with pictures and the internet but will try. Thanks again.