Unnumbered Luger?
 

Have any DWM proofed but totally unnumbered Lugers been reported?

Yes, those are called “sneak” or “lunchbox special” Lugers often assembled and taken home from the factory by workers. They are highly sought after collectors pieces. If you have one, please post pictures.

Just be real sure that the numbers have not been scrubbed/removed. That has happened with stolen handguns so as not to be traceable....just a thought. :o

Yes. From the photos it appears unlikely but I want nothing to do with a problem. Will inspect on arrival, assuming all goes as it should.

You have references to back this statement up?:confused:

There is no way a DWM luger has inspection and final proofs and "no number". Numbers were applied before and during inspection , but certainly before final proof.

Without good pictures of the markings or in this case the area where they should be, it is not possible to say what the OP has.

I also take exception to the "often...taken home" part of your statement; it may have happened- but rarely. :cheers:

I read about them in that standard catalog of Luger 2016 Edition. By often taken home I meant that that is how they most often came to come around, poor word choice on my part. They are rare pieces if legitimate. Tomorrow I can flip through the book again and try to find the actual page references to them.

"Standard Catalog of Lugers" is a fountain of misinformation. Search through the Forum posts for recommendations of much better reading material.

--Dwight

Hard to believe that in my access to the entirety of the state of Ohio's public library catalogs (available through my school library credentials) I cant even find a copy of any of Jan Stills', or Harry Jones' books whatsoever for reading.

they are specialty books and not at any libraries I have frequented

Aaron, for some reason was able to get a huge amount of his books published
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I had a DWM that had no markings at all - was a serial number stamped on the very rear, likely from someone who felt it should have a serial number, but who knows. Should have kept that one....

Would it be illegal to possess such a gun?

No

changing numbers or taking them off of a newer gun is illegal - prior to 1968 there were many guns that did not have a serial number

An FFL just puts >>>>

NSN

.....in the spot for serial number

Since all factory shipped Lugers had serial numbers, this is why it's important to verify the metal dimensions in areas that would normally have serial number digits on a "sneak" to be sure that they have not been removed.

In particular, check the width of the front of the receiver slide and verify that the slide is not proud (forward of) the front of the frame - and that the front of the receiver is level where the barrel is screwed in.

Ed,
are you sure about that?
I believe it is the "removal" that is illegal, and subsequent possession of a weapon with removed or obliterated serial number is illegal. Many states have similar statutes, in NC a removed number is illegal.

If a piece never had a serial number in the first place- it is not an issue.

What?

that is what I said?

changing or removal is illegal?

tell me what you think I wrote??

I've seen several WW2 era completely unserialized PO8s made up of code 42, s/42 or unmarked parts from armour's spare parts repair kits at the end of the war. I suspose that the same may be true for some WW1 spare parts guns, but have never seen one. TH

"Originally Posted by Major Tom View Post
Would it be illegal to possess such a gun?"

You answered:

"No"

If it is original, non-numbered

completely legal

BATF states that early guns with no serial number is marked as NSF when sold

I agree, but the "key" is that it NEVER had a number.

I believe in this case it is much more likely that the original frame serial number was removed.

But it is of little consequence as it will likely never be an issue, unless the owner is unlucky, or involved in something else that brings the lack of number to the attention of the authorities.:cheers:

It sort of sounds like such a thing is unlikely. I'll plan to not proceed.

You folks are the experts and I haven't really been around Lugers for the last 50+ years when I had a DWM commercial and a WW11 bring back. Those are all gone now.

They are not "gone", just more expensive!:D

The vast majority of lugers in the US are vet bring backs from WWI or II, JMHO.
:cheers: