1918 DWM-Shooter or Collector
 

I have a 1918 DWM, all matching except magazine and grips, which are S42 marked, which I understand are WW2 replacements, It is about 70% with browning on the straps and some bluing loss throughout. I wanted some opinions on whether this pistol would be considered a shooter or a collector. I like to shoot my firearms but due understand the historical value of older guns like this. I have fired it and it functions fine, just hesitate to break a part and ruin any value. I also have the unmarked holster that came with it from the vet's family and have considered selling the rig if it is a collector. Any comments appreciated.

Nice gun. It is a collector to many, but subjective as to the degree. You could replace the break prone numbered parts and make it a shooter. As I understand, some common replacement parts are an extractor, ejector and (updated) firing pin. Shoot it occasionally and enjoy it. Tom Heller (lugerdoc) can sell you the replacement parts and you would be good to go.

I'm curious as to the "S42 marked grips and magazine". I suspect some error there as that code came after the wood bottoms ended. Can you post some photos of the grip and mag. markings? Holster photos too.
As to the shooter vs. collector question, it is as E. suggested a subjective choice. In a perfect world I'd suggest parking it and picking up a mismatched shooter. But I understand that this is not a perfect world...
dju

If I am reading the original post correctly, I think only the grips are marked S42. The pistol has an added sear safety indicating it was modified for police use and probably received the S42 replacement grips at or near that time.

Yes, only the grips are marked, not the magazine. And it did have the sear safety added and removed. Here are some more pics.

It shows a police sear safety in the picture. Did it have a mag safety at one time?

Was it filled in or?

Where would the mag safety have been on the pistol?

Forgot I had your book on police lugers. I looked and the pistol did have the mag safety and was not filled in, the hole is still there.