1917 DWM
 

All the numbers match the last two of the XXXX number. I found proof matching #15 military it is stamped 1917.

What is this stamping under the safty (GESICHERT)?

I also have the belt and holster which has a red and black dimond with a swastika?

Re: 1917 DWM
 

You have a standard Imperial Era Luger. Gesichert is German for "SAFE", when the lever is in this position, the safety is ON.


Not sure whether the holster is a match for this pistol, but the swastika is definitely NOT. Although this pistol may well have seen duty during The Third Reich, it is not considered a Third Reich pistol, it would need to be chamber dated in the 1930s or coded 42, S/42 or byf to qualify for that.


Dok

Re: 1917 DWM
 

It was common for GI's to stick a badge, medal or other decoration taken from a German soldier to a captured holster. I often see cap badges stuck on P38 and luger holsters. It sounds like you have a Hitler Youth badge/pin stuck on your holster. Many WW1 lugers were captured in WW2 and brought back by GI's in holsters of all dates. A couple weeks ago, a guy showed me the luger his grandfather picked off a German officer near the Remagen bridge. It was a 1917 Erfurt in a Walther Model 6 holster that had been modified to hold a luger magazine. Be sure to store the gun away from the holster (leather acids eat gun--gun oil dissolves leather). Don't hang the holster on the belt unless you can ensure there is no stress on the belt loops--I have seen three sets like this and the belt loops were torn away from the holster on all three due to age and stress. Keep holster out of sunlight and don't treat it with any goo's. Congratulations on having a great piece of history.

Dave

Re: 1917 DWM
 

Thanks guys Iâ??ve learned a lot today. My father in-law did bring this piece home from the war.

Iâ??m pretty sure this holster is made for a luger it has an extra magazine in the holder built into the side and a tool of some sort (take down tool?) under the cover. The emblem is bonded to the cover about 3/4 of an inch across. The belt has a mettle buckle with hook and adjustment bar with two prongs.