Luger 1911 DMW..My first!
 

I have gotten my first Luger!! I'm would like to know more about the model I have and what it's worth. It has 1911 on the top-front frame, DMW on the frame, just behind the barrel. 533 serial number with 33 on various parts. The clip has no number at all on it and no wooden part. The wooden grips are nice for the age of the gun. I can find no markings at all on the barrel. (I have not disassembled the gun) There is a “stylized f or r” ( think) under the serial number. On the front of the handle is faintly inscribed “R.1.T.S.1” then in smaller print “143” There are two marks on the right side above the trigger both marks have a crown on top with what looks like an anchor under one shield and a shield under the other. The blueing is in excellent condition. The action will not lock open.

Stan, I'll wager that the grip strap marking is actually B.1.T.S.1.143. May we see photos of both the grip strap marking and the serial number on the front of the frame beneath the barrel? As the grip strap marking indicates that the pistol was issued to a Bavarian unit it will not have a hold-open device.

Seems like it's without stock attachment from the pictures. Another indication that it's probably Bavarian.. Sadly it looks reblued.

Hey Stan ! This pistol has been re-blued, the parts that should be "strawed" were also re-blued. Would like to see a picture of the rear grip strap towards the bottom, where the stock lug normally is. The mag is a modern MecGar (made in Italy) a good reliable mag for a shooter. As far as value, $700 + - $100 is what most here will likely say. Take it to the range and enjoy it. Lugers are suprisingly accurate, if you do your part.

1911 Lugers do not have stock lugs. Stock lugs on P08s were not introduced until mid 1913.

Three more pics... Stan

Agree' ground and definately reblued. Value around $600. Bill.

As George already said, no stock lugs on 1911's. Unless it is mismatched and has a mid 1913 or later frame.

I never can understand what these "craftsmen" are doing as they grind and buff every marking and edge off a gun like this....they can't SEE what they're doing?

Back when most of this was done, nobody cared about any significance attached to the markings or proofs. The idea was to stop a pistol from rusting and to put it back into shootable condition. If they had cared about the same things we do today, most reblues would have never happened and the original finish would have been left intact.
It's like repainting a contemporary car. Not a big deal now but some collector 100 years from now might be thinking what an idiot you were for ruining this "classic".

Grip markings
 

Hey Guys Thanks for the input. The markings on the grip (metal front) “B.1.T.S.1” then in smaller print “143” What does it signify? Is is WWI or WWII?

Stan

Bavarian 1st Train Battalion, Sanitaets Copmpany 1, weapon number 143. A Sanitaets company was an ambulance company. The pistol was issued to a combat medic.

WWI or WWII?

Ww1

Hi Stan, Here's a photo of a WW1 combat medic, this one's an Iron Cross winner. Regards, Norm

I Love these guys moustache's . Is this the guy that reblued it????...


LOL

Very common for Germans to emulate their leaders look. The Kaiser wore a mustache like this, so it was widely copied. Just like Germans in WW2 adopting the silly Hitler moustache.

Did our medics carried a sidearm besides a scalpel too?

No, with rare exceptions, (The Pacific Campaign, where the Japanese had no compunction about shooting medics, saw some USMC medics carry sidearms).

Man That Sugged!