ID Help with 1917 DWM
 

First, awesome forum site! I am impressed by the contributions of the members and I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time. I have attached images of my 1917 SN#6439. I am curious about any ID information you guys might have. It was brought back by a family member and is a cherished part of my collection. There are no identification markings besides the 1917, SNs, DWM, Barrel marking (439), Clip # 6476 B+ and the acceptance stamps. The grips have some interesting discoloration that looks like water damage or over oiling. Pictures are low-res and I can take better ones, if needed. Thanks, in advance, for any info you guys have.

C

Hello and welcome

Here is some basic info, made in 1917 (year stamp) by DWM

It probably had very bad oil stains and when it was refinished (here in the USA, not an arsenal), someone probably tried to clean the grips and those stains were left.

It has been reblued, you can tell by the glossy of the finish and the lightness of the stampings.

also, the prong like thing that attaches to the mainspring is not attached (you can tell the toggle is not in its correct position)

I collect bringback stories, if you know how the family member got it? Then email me if you'd like :)


Ed

Thanks Ed, my suspicion was that it had been re-blued because there seems to be some pitting, but nice glossy finish over it. I just noticed an eagle stamp and I was curious what the significance is of it (picture attached). It is less noticeable than others I have seen posted on here, probably due to re-blue. I believe I have the prong you are talking about and I'll have to do a little reading for re installation... if I only knew of a place with great technical knowledge of this weapon. ;)

Doh! Picture this time...

Re-Blue. What type of great technical information do you want? It is a 1917 Imperial era Parabellum that has been re-blued, the takedown should be blued and appears black/blued, it is a 9 parabellum, so here it is;

Designer Georg J. Luger
Manufacturer Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt and Spandau, Simson, Krieghoff, Mauser, Vickers, Waffenfabrick Bern
Produced 1900–1945
Specifications
Weight 1.92 lbs (871 grams)
Length 8.75 in (222 mm)
Barrel length 98-203 mm
(3.9-8.02 in)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cartridge 7.65x22mm Parabellum
9x19mm Parabellum
45 ACP
Action Toggle-locked, short recoil
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity 350-400 m/s or 1148-1312 f/s (9 mm, 4-inch barrel)
Effective range 50 m (9 mm, 4 inch barrel; short barrel)
Feed system 8-round detachable box magazine, or 32-round detachable drum
Sights Iron sights
Mainspring weight 36/38 factory standard to40
Full auto fire 1,200 rpm.
And that's about it.

I hope this helps.

PS, I need to add Spanda was not an official Arsenal of Lugers, nor are any marked actually conmfirmed as being made there, we don't know.

Hi Chris,
Welcome to the forum. Your Luger is a standard army issue. If there are no unit marks on the grip strap, there is no way to determine where it was issued. The eagle stamp on the breechblock is a firing proof. There should be one on the barrel and right side of the receiver also.
This video will help with reassembly...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBP0RX7mctQ