Dutch East Indies
 

A story. Within the last week i inherited my father in laws Luger he brought back from the pacific. I will try to get pic of it. It is in very good shape.

He was stationed at Henderson Field when it was attacked. After the attack his story was that they opened up whare houses and offered any fire arm to any one interested. Does not sound like the military to me, but more a plundered firearm.

Any way, serial number puts it in the DEA air force run, the tag found on the left side of such firearms is missing, which kinda fits the military. All numbers match.

Interesting addition to my collection, and, an heirloom.

Don, welcome to the forum

Pictures, good description are needed to help you accurately.

Ed

Cannot figure out photo upload. So, grip safety, OLK, numbers match, pinned wood magazine base, crown N, 12,000 serial range, grip safety, walnut grips both with serial number.

Don,
You are describing a Dutch KOL Luger. Lugers marked in this fashion were delivered under contract to the Dutch East Indies Army in August and September of 1928 and were fabricated by BKIW (Berlin-Karlsruher Industrie Werke, the successor to DWM). The serial numbers for this contract were from 10182 to 14001, which would include your example. For a long time folks thought the KL marking in a circle indicated “Koninklijke Luchtmacht” or Dutch Royal Air Force, which would explain your reference to “DEA air force run” (I think you meant to type DEI rather than DEA :)). However, in 1928 the Dutch air service was still part of the Army (much like the air force was originally part of the US Army and later became its own separate branch, US Air Force). Likewise the Dutch Royal Air Force did not become its own branch until after 1930, therefore obviously KOL could not be a Royal Air Force designation in 1928. So until information to the contrary is discovered, It is now generally accepted that the marking may represent “Kolonien” or “colonies”.
Ron

Don

No much to say after Ron's explanation.
Ayway in my small collection I've got a Dutch Knil marked Luger # 12761
It's a "New Model" but is not in a very good state. Actually I've always believed that because of the extremely damp weather of the West Indies very few really managed to "survive".

Rgds



Sergio

Sergio, the serial on mine is 40 some odd above yours, condition is very good, as you will see if I ever figure out the photo upload procedure

Ron, my father in law was in the Army Air Corps when he picked this up in December, 1941, ended up flying most of his military career in the Pacific Islands.

Thanks for the info

Don, you are quite welcome. Great history on your gun!
Ron

I finally figured it out, don't know how, but,,,,,

It is a DMW