Help identifying old Luger
 

This was found in my Grandfathers drawer. Not sure much except it appears to be commercial from the early 20s? Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. I'm curious as to the value, although I'm not interested in selling it. More likely that I hold on to it and shoot it occasionally. As you can see, I haven't even really cleaned it up yet. Thanks in advance for any help!

sorry. full resolution photos are here

https://picasaweb.google.com/johncon...eat=directlink

I can't get the link to work.

Neil

Sorry. Had it set to private. It should be fixed now

Yep, commercial Luger. 9mm or .30 Luger cal? Also, in many of the pictures, but not all, the upper is slightly rearward, out of battery.
Why is that?
dju

Well I have virtually zero knowledge of Lugers, but I know something isn't right with the upper. I am pretty sure it at least needs a new recoil spring, but other than that I am not real sure. I did post in the Repair forum as well looking for someone local to take a look at it and point me in the right direction.

Also, not sure if it is 9mm or .30 because I don't have any ammo at the moment to test fit it. Any other way to tell?

The photos of the upper slightly rearward is a common condition when one is unfamiliar with Lugers. Since the last photo shows the Luger properly assembled and the upper in the correct position, I suspect that all the other photos show the gun after it was improperly re-assembled. The S-shaped hook on the bottom of the rear toggle has to engage the transfer lever on the mainspring.

Hi John,
You have a DWM Alphabet commercial (formerly known as a 1920 commercial). The lower case cursive 'k' below the serial# is the suffix. The full serial number is 2320k. It was made in 1922 for the commercial market and destined to the US as per the 'MADE IN GERMANY" export stamp on the right receiver. It should be a 30 cal./7.65mm. Check to see if all numbers are matching. Full S# on the front of the frame and underside of the barrel. The last two digits of the S#(20) should be on the trigger, breechblock, rear toggle and the bottom edge of the takedown lever and sideplate. If everything matches, the value is around $850-$1000.

To address a couple of the issues mentioned. All numbers are matching for sure. Also, the slide was not assembled correctly in some of the photos. I have since reassembled correctly and it seems to function much more smoothly. I think I will still have someone more experienced give it a once over before I test fire it to be sure.

Around here $900 is top money for a 1920 Commercial. They just don't sell very well. This may be different in other parts of the country. Nice commercial . Bill

Once in a while one turns up in immaculate 99.9% condition. Such an example would command $1400 and possibly more.

Thanks again for all the feedback. If I were to shoot it, anybody have a particular ammo recommendation?

If it is 30Luger caliber(as many were), you only have to choices for factory ammo.

(1) Fiocchi

(2) Winchester (very expensive)

I assume that you are not a hand loader. If you plan to shoot a 30 Luger very much, you might want to consider it, unless money is no object.

The money is not that much of a concern given that this is my only Luger and I don't plan on shooting it much, if at all really. Even though I don't plan on selling it, any concern over hurting the value on it if I do decide to shoot it a few times?