Newbie with a DWM artillery
 

Hello out there. Just acquired a DWM 1916 artillery model. Googled "DWM artillery luger", scrolled to images. Did this because my side plate doesn't match. At 1st observation, there is NO number. Took side plate off, found non matching # on the bottom edge of side plate. I saw images with no visible # on side of plate & some with # that is visible. What is it supposed to be & what model is mine from with the # on the bottom edge? THANKS!

Welcome to the forum, Dave. I think I know your cousin "Filthy Frank".:)

Your side plate may have been replaced, but it might also be correct.

The side plate ion your Artie is numbered in the commercial style, according to your description of the number's location. Military style displays all the secondary serial numbers right on the faces of the parts that have been stamped, commercial style numbers are stamped more discreetly--back and bottom.

Some pics of your gun would help us figure out what it is, when made, and perhaps a bit of history for it...depending. Take pics in subdued natural light, as in the shade, outdoors, no direct sun. Show all proofs, numbers, etc. Full left, right, bottom , and top would give us a place to start.

We'll see if yours is a shooter, which you will enjoy, or a collectable example to be preserved and treasured--in which case you'll need to pick up another Luger to actually shoot. This, you'll find, will not be a problem because the Parabellum pistol is the ultimate "potato chip" gun--can't eat just one--and odds are, you'll acquire more!

David Parker

DD:
Welcome.
The side plate you have is marked in the commercial fashion. There were some commercial artilleries, but I don't recall if they were completely marked in the commercial fashion. SSSSSSSooooooooo........
Pictures please and we will clear this up.
dju

Thanks! I'll get some pics in here Saturday. It's after dark when I get home. Think the light would be better outside on Saturday. What you folks call the secondary numbers, are boldly visible everywhere but the side plate (just like on my s/42 ). Re: "potatoe chip" comment. Yeah....I've got 2 of these things now....MADNESS! The S/42 shoots like a dream. Not so with this one. I know it cycles because after I fire a round, the next sound is "click". The empty is still there. Manually pulling toggle brings it out. Extractor is as good as the one in the S/42, however spring feels weak compared to extractor spring in S/42. Sooo ordered new springs from Wolff today. Tried Winchester white box loads as well as personal defense stuff. No difference. Next question is why the bolt didn't try to pick up next round from the mag & cause a jam??? Oh well...one issue at a time. Thanks again guys!

Might be weak magazine spring. Did you try the mag from your other Luger?

if its dated 1916, then it should be marked in the military manner - I think - but could be wrong, that only commercial artillery's were made post war

You aren't wrong Ed.

Good point. Thanks Ed.