1918 DWM military
 

:confused:I have a Po8 DWM 1918 military. It has all the military proofs and matching numbers but scribed with a electric marker are some small numbers on the barrel and receiver looks to be F9 - 14498. There are the standard military proofs on right side of receiver but one extra one a back to back F v shape with small letters under it [ H7aJL3 ] hard to read though. the back to back V shaped F is also on the barrel twice one next to the serial number and one upside serial no. 3121 a barrel 3121 8,82 and a 42 under that . its in good shape most of the bluing is there no pitting and good bore. There is a extra barrel align mark. any ideas of what I inherited from my uncle. john jsteffs@yahoo.com

At the risk of overstating the obvious, it seems to be a WW1 gun that was later reworked, and rebarreled, by the Nazi's.
We'll let the book guys weigh in on the different acceptance marks, but I don't recall ever seeing an electric engraving pencil being used for official markings.
dju

It deleted my very eloquent answer when I voted... jeez


I would say, 1 of 2 things IMHO


1. Owner, back in the 60's or 70's this was considered a security measure and people were encouraged to put an identifying marking on an item.



2. Police evidence markings - I lean towards this, once finished, it was released, police were not known for being discrete 'back in the day'.


I would call this a low end collectable or a shooter, as it has etchings in two places, frame and barrel...

It belonged to your Uncle, that makes it a collector item in your family.

thanks that helps

thanks for the help

First time on here still trying to get use to it how it all works

Sometimes it takes a while, but I'm curious what the others say about the right side acceptance marks. And also any theories about the etched numbers.
dju

I did... I didn't know you could block my postings...

the marking on the right is Imperial acceptance and proof and then the far left is a rework marking....

The 42 under the barrel denotes a Mauser replacement part. The eagle/63 on the barrel is the mark of the WaffenAmt (Weapons Office) inspector who inspected and accepted the barrel. The eagle/HZaJt3 is the mark of the Herrs Zeugamt (Army Weapons Depot) at Jngolstadt (Ingolstadt) depot 3, where the rebarrelling took place.

--Dwight

Have you shot it to see if it shoots well. If it does, I would use it as an occasional shooter being sure to treat it with the respect it deserves. KW

I didn't try shooting yet have to buy some ammo. those electric etching marks probably ruin its collector value so I may just use it for a shooter. Thanks for all the help I really like this site.

For my $.02 I would class it as a 'shooter' due to the electro-pencil etchings, although if you are just starting out collecting Lugers, this is an excellent choice IMO. In my mind it is a high-end 'shooter', and in my neighborhood would probably go for $1000-$1200. Buyers hereabouts don't see Lugers very often, and don't care about re-barreling as long as it looks "original". Gun show sellers will fabricate exotic stories to explain away anything that a buyer might question.

I would detail strip it, clean everything and oil the pieces, and try 'er out. Wal-Mart Winchester White Box ammunition ["Target"] is a good shooter loading. Lugers seem especially sensitive to 100-year-old built-up crud; a good cleaning will 'cure' most ills.

This one rides the line between high end shooter and low end collectible, and the distinction in this area is quite subjective. BTW, all mine are "collectible shooters"! All else being correct and in good condition can go a long way in making it desirable, but this single issue will definitely repel the hardcore experienced collector, except for its appeal as a place-holder in a collection. As Rich points out, some local markets--and many individuals--do not require as much of a Luger in order for it to sell.

I really thankful for all the info. I guess I got a nice hand me down I'll clean it up get some target ammo and see how she shoots.

As an in-service repair, this rebarrelling counts as original.

--Dwight

This is the litany:

Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions.

Let us know how she does.

1918 DWM shoots fine
 

I got some target ammo and took to the range it shoot and feed without a jam had a little more kick then I thought it would but was fun indeed thanks again for all the info it would of took me years to figure all that stuff out john

John,

Glad your first experience here was positive. Now that you've shot your pistol, you should be checked for Luger-itis, a disease which compels its host to get more Lugers, the Lay's Potato Chips of firearms!

Quote:
This is the litany:
Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions..." unquote

I join David in his litany, and as usual in these cases I add: "all of these one century old Lugers should never be fired with modern high speed and high power ammunition because they may have become structurally unsound."

Safe shooting.

Sergio