Help Identifying luger
 

Just received a family heirloom. It is in rough shape and I would like to learn more about it. It is serial number 29421. I has smooth walnut grip and the ideal holster. There is the American Eagle logo and the DWM logo embossed. It has a trigger safety and bottom of barrel states Germany and the serial number. Can anybody tell me what type of Luger this is?

pics are always helpful

Unknown Luger
 

Thanks for the quick reply. I have attached some pics. Hope those help.

There is a story behind it, but from doing a little research and thinking this is a commercial gun, not so sure about the accuracy. According to my father in law the gun was issued by the Army to his grandfather's brother during WW I. Any chance that can be true?

Not a chance. It's a 1906 model American Eagle model made for the American commercial market. On the "up side" it is fitted out with a pair of American Ideal grips and combination holster/shoulder stock. The Ideal grips and stock are worth a good amount of money alone.

You have an intriguing and valuable combination. The ideal holster and corresponding grips are particularly collectable.
The finish appears original, but better photos would confirm this.

A very nice inheritance, despite the "roughness"!

9mm cal. or .30?
dju

Thanks you all. I am not sure about caliber.

How would I find out the year it was manufactured? Also, would it make sense to have this gun restored? I am not looking to sell it, but would not mind getting it to where it could be operational. Regarding caliber, how would I find out about it. The barrel length appears to be 4 inches.

Don't even think about restoring it. What about it's condition bothers you? Unless there are serious flaws not seen in the pictures, your Luger is actually in very nice condition. Also, what concerns do you have about its functioning?

From what I see in the photos, this luger is in very nice condition for it's age. I, personally, would not entertain a restoration project on this weapon. Perhaps there are flaws that do not show up in the photos.

From your photos your family heirloom appears to be a desirable 9mm version...the barrel looks to be shorter and fatter than the more common 7.65mm chambering. A 9mm example is valued about one third more than the smaller caliber. Abandon any thoughts of restoration, you would reduce its value by about 50% and incur the cost of restoration. Congratulations on owning a very collectible rig.

Manufactured in the 1907-1908 time frame.

--Dwight