Help identify my DWM Luger with 3-digit serial
 

Hi,

I got a hold of this DWM Luger. It has the DWM mark on the top. Under the barrel it has the crown, with the N mark underneath. It has a 3-digit serial number, which is 894. The only other markings besides having matching 94's marked all over the place are, the German safety marking. Here are a couple pictures. If anyone can help identify what exactly I have here it would be appreciated. Also a general value of what it is worth. Is it worth more with the 3-digit serial? I can take more pictures if needed.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/8538/p081o.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5972/p082.jpg
http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/1594/p083.jpg
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4517/p084.jpg

EDIT: Extra image added to last post

You are missing the most important photo of them all; the right front side of the receiver where Luger pistols are usually proofed. Please take and post a photo of this area.

I can take a picture but the right side has no marks whatsoever. The left side is where it has 94 stamped all over, and then the N with the crown by the front along with 894.

Here is the image of the other side:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...213174027.jpg/

Interesting... Commercial C/N proof but marked everywhere else in the military manner...

Could this be a post WW-I made from left over military parts?

Is it a 9MM Luger pistol, or in .30Luger Caliber?

Marc

I would say a commercial that was pressed into WWII military service


Vern

Hi, I'm not in to Commercials, but if it helps any, Earls 3rd photo shows that this gun has an un-relieved sear bar, which dates it to 1916 or earlier. Regards, Norm

Is there any evidence that a date was removed from above the chamber? A picture of that area might be telling.

I have an original 1917 dwm artillery model that my father brought back from WW1. It has a three digit serial number in the right place. The rest of the parts match with the last 2 digits listed on the appropriate parts. Only the clip which is wood base, has an unmatching 4 digit serial number

The front sight block and barrel band is similar to an early K date. The thin barrel flange is another Mauser trait. If you look at the GNR, the only Mauser in my avatar, you can see how thin the barrel flange is compared to the DWM barrels.

It is a .30 Luger.

Any other info or anything else I can do to help identify it? More pictures?
Need to know the approximate value of it.

Anyone?

Regarding values, seems like most decent commercials can be had for under a $1k, while service pistols bring a bit more, maybe $1200. And I'm referring to matching guns, mismatched mags, VG condition. Your being a commercial gun that was drafted into the military may increase it's value a bit, but not much, IMHO. It being a .30 makes it a bit of a curiousity however.
So unless an advanced collector speaks up and corrects me, I'll stick with a $1200 retail ballpark guestimate. I would be interested to hear other's comments on this one.
dju

Hard to evaluate from pictures but I feel $900 is closer, It is not in real good condition and is a commercial. Bill

Bill;
Do you think that there are any "nitch" collectors that will get all excited over a commercial with mil. numbers?
dju

OK, take a look at the "4s" some have a foot and some do not, this worries me.

The barrel and frame look completely different in bluing, especially in that one picture.

As noted before the sear bar is not relieved but is SN to the gun this would indicate a 1916 or earlier gun Only the vertical crown N is post WW1

Your gun has some interesting issues that I believe will effect the sale price to collectors.

Just my view, sometimes the other members do not agree.

Vern

Note that the takedown and sideplate do not have numbers on their bottom edges.

The upright c/N appears in 1916.

--Dwight