1912 dated luger sn 45xx range with no banner
 

Hello gang. I am a new luger owner, but and experienced German arms collector.....7 k98, 1 G43, 1 MP40, 1 P38, 1 Mauser 1914, and a slew of new Walthers. This gun is chambered in 9mm Luger and is all matching with imperial proofs. There is no banner on this pistol so i don't know who the manufacturer is. It does not look like it was ground off and there is no evidence of arsenal refinishing. Does anyone know how to nail down a manufacturer with a serial number range.... i have seen a few pictures or mauser and krieghoff production with no banners. Thanks in advance for your help.

James

We really, really, need a bit more to go on James.
dju

If it is dated 1912 over the chamber, it was made by either DWM or Erfurt. It should be on top of the forward toggle. If not, it is a replacement toggle. Military serial numbers started at #1 at the beginning of each year from 1910 to 1921. Pictures of the proofs and acceptance stamps will determine the manufacturer. Erfurts will have acceptance stamps on almost every part including the grip screws.

As Mike says if there is no DWM or Erfurt on the toggle then manufacturer can be determined by observing the many parts of the pistol. An Erfurt will have many of the small parts numbered AND proofed. DWM numbered most parts but did not additionally proof them like the German State Arsenal at Erfurt.

If your pistol is dated 1912 I believe it MUST bee a DWM. Erfurt started making Lugers in 1914?

Somebody correct me if I am wrong here...

Luger production at Erfurt began in 1910. Approximately 50 made that year. Full scale production began in 1911.

Mike Thanks! Shows you what I know!

Jerry