Police marked 1916/1920 DWM Luger
 

Hello everyone.
This is my first post, I only discovered and joined your forum yesterday.

For many years I have been collecting deactivated Thompsons, deactivated as I live in Europe, but have diversified the collection now by purchasing a deactivated Luger.

From research prior to discovering your forum, I believe the notch just in front of the 1920 property stamp indicates the Luger was manufactured in 1916 as a ‘Lange Pistole 08’ (Artillery Luger). The barrel was therefore replaced post 1919, as per the Treaty of Versailles rules.

This pistol went onto to see service with the Weimar police forces, as indicated by the 1920 property stamp. During my internet research i discovered there is a 1917 Dated luger in the collection of the Imperial War Museum in London, with the same unit lettering on front grip strap of frame. The IWM page tells me it was issued to the Saxon Landespolizei, (S.L. Pol 3804), which has been struck-out in favour of one relating to the Leipzig Schutzpolizei.- (S.P.L.). Is this information correct?

The Luger has the sear safety fitted.

I look forward to learning more about Lugers from your forum in the future.

Stay safe
Richard

Richard -

Welcome to the Forum! :)

I can't help with your questions, but I have one for you: How is it deactivated???

Spot on! Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for both for the welcome.

Deactivation is done by permanently blocking the barrel, welding the chamber, the breechblock is milled at angle, extractor etc. removed and firing pin channel welded. Visually from the outside it still looks untouched, and they can still be stripped, cocked and dry fired, but not fired in 'anger'.

Only way we can legally own hand guns this side of the Atlantic these days I am afraid.

Stay safe
Richard

What part of Europe are you in???

Does this police Luger show any sign of a magazine safety having been fitted???

Typically, the Saxon P08s do/did not ever have mag safeties installed.

Welcome to the Lugerforum Richard. From your description of the deactivation process I will guess that you live in the UK...?

It is sad to read about the mutilation of this pistol... When illegal guns flourish in the hands of criminals, who can always get or make one. But this is the only way an honest citizen can own such a memento in many countries, others require political status or payments to officials. I also understand that the UK confiscates more guns every year than are legally owned.?

Sorry for delay in reply, I travel a lot.

I work in Algeria in the oil and gas industry, living the dream.... Downtime, having spent a lot of time in Africa both as a soldier in the 1980's and as a civilian since the 1990's, I love warm weather, so spend a lot of time in Spain /Gibraltar.

My collection is in the UK though, John you guessed that correctly, you know our draconian firearms laws very well.

Don, you are correct no mag safety fitted to this one, it is good to join you very knowledgable people on this Forum.

I have been bitten by Luger Fever, currently looking at buying a 1928 Dutch contract Luger, before I return to Africa in 8 days time.

Stay safe
Richard