1900 Commercial unknown numbers
 

All........ I may have run this before, a long time ago, but I'm still searching for any info on the numbers on the back of a 1900 commercial that I've had for years. It's in the 14,000 range. Any opinions are welcome....... thanks guys !

Myky@ctesc.net

Mike,
It is kind of hard to read...is it FS677?

I can't think of any reason for it except a unit marking and being a 1900 commercial I think more in the owners side of things, although most people don't own stamp dies?

It is possible that a gun like this was bought by a private company that armed their folks?

US Police marking does not seem right either, as I would expect that to be etched rather than stamped....

Ed

Hi Ron ! Hey thanks for the reply..... Yeah, I saw that after the scan came up, it's F 5677. Sorry. Way back when I 1st got it, someone ventured the idea that it was used in the South African Boer War. I don't know if that has any plausibility or not though. The serial number is 14689, the last 3 digits are on the bottom of the side plate and rear toggle. High grooved thumb safety and wide grip safety. No BUG proofs, relieved frame. The holster has a 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 flower design on the outside lower flap and #807 on the belt loop. What's your guess ?

Myky

Hi Ed ! Thanks for your input too my friend ! I'm kinda like your opinion that a private owner would not have stamps, or a reason to stamp, an inventory ? stamp on his pistol. I think only, like you say, a unit, a company, or some military command would strike a 4 digit inventory #. Would the German Navy of 1900 have done something like this ? It wasn't long afterward ( 1906 ) that they started doing this to Lugers. The overall condition kinda reminds me of saltwater exposure also. This is what has puzzeld me for all these years.
Dunno my friend...... Myky

1900 commercial unknown
 

Ed and Ron, what about the naval detachment that was stationed in China in the 1900 period ? Any thoughts ?

Mike

Hi Myky, No. This Luger was never issued, or used, by the Imperial Navy. The most obvious reason, it's not 9mm! Regards, Norm

Hi Norm, thanks guy ! I know that the navy had a station in Tsing Chow, ( or something that sounds like it ) in China. What would they have used as a hand firearm ? And what about the South African Colonies ? What would they have used ? Any ideas ?

Thanks ! Mike

Hi Mike, The garrison of the German colony of Kiauchau were armed with P04 Lugers (6" barreled Navies), marked on their rear grip straps with Gouv Kiau, followed by a weapon number. The colonial police of German S.W. Africa were armed with P08 Lugers (4" barreled Armies) marked with an L.P. followed by a number, also on their rear grip straps. All of these were, of course, 9mm. Best regards, Norm

Well.......... Norm. I'm still batting a big " 0 ". Just like I have been through the years on this piece. I hope someday, someone, will know the answer.......

A BIG thanks to you my friend !

Myky

Hi Mike, I'm as baffled as you are, sorry. It looks like a rack number, but it would have to be a pretty big rack! Best regards, Norm

Norm........ thanks so much for your learned input ! Maybe one day we'll know.

Dem besten danke !! Mike

Mike,
The only other thing I can come up with right now is a museum accession/catalog number

Ron. thanks bud ! At least that's a suggestion ! Someday......... Are you going to Tulsa ?

God bless ! Mike