Luger identity
 

Am interested in a luger but do not know how to determine age or manufacturer. Marks I can see are:
1) Serial # 42485
2) Symbols look like a crown over a B and another crown over U
3)back of receiver R
4) Top has a engraved scroll work which looks like initials

Welcome to the forum Walt.

You've given us little information about your Luger, and a good set of pics of it will go the farthest in assessing what it is, etc.

It is numbered in the commercial style, and the crown over U and B are commercial style proof marks. The "initials" you describe are probably DWM, the manufacturer in Berlin up to and including WWI and a bit beyond.

I suggest that you cruise the forum for a while; read about similar pistols; learn more of the terminology/jargon involved; and don't forget to post some pics. The help you seek is here, but it will be a lot easier if you do a little homework to help us help you. In addition, perhaps a moderator will move this thread to the proper section, as it's not germain to this one. Perhaps "new collectors"?

Moved to the new collector's forum. Site Announcements is to broadcast information to all forum members. It is generally used by the Moderators.

I would read a lot here and then possibly buy a book or two.

You really can spend too much on a luger that is not worth it (many dealers think any luger is rare)...

Sounds like a commercial Luger, probably of DWM mfg. 9mm or .30 cal? If I had to guess I'd lean toward one of the more common commercial Lugers, probably ranging in value from $750 up to $1500. But now I'm really going far out on that limb and must say that we do need pictures to be of real help here.
Looking forward to hearing more info.
dju

Hi Walt,
Welcome to the forum.
Dwight Grubers Commercial Database shows that S#42485 would fall in with '1908 Commercials'.
The characteristics of early 1908 Commercials are:

"BUG" proofed... C/B, C/U ,C/G on barrel, C/B, C/U on left side of receiver
DWM on toggle
9mm 4" barrel
No stock lug
No grip safety
Blank chamber

can you post of foto to show the r at back of receiver you mentioned?

Early 1908 commercial 9mm.

Walter,

First of all welcome to this forum; probably the initials you mention are the "DWM" monogram, I'm sure if you could post some photos the problem woud be immediately solved.