I guess I'm a collector now...
 

Hello! Long story short, always wanted a Luger, got talked into a Swiss 1924 some years ago, and haven't regretted it a bit. Yesterday we had a mis-marked 1929 military model come up at auction, and it wasn't bid very high. No interest, so I bid.. mine. It's interesting in a few ways, but probablly nothing really super special.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-C...7K_6540-X4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-2...7K_6541-X4.jpg

There is a very faint import mark on the r/h side of the frame, sadly.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-D...7K_6542-X4.jpg

Interesting that there is no serial number on the rear toggle link, but I understand that's not uncommon, if the part was replaced. There is also no serial number on the barrel. The proof is there, but no s/n...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-7...7K_6538-X4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-r...7K_6543-X4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-D...7K_6535-X4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-6...7K_6534-X4.jpg

I couldn't find any reference to this mark other than here... my '24 dosen't have it

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-q...7K_6536-X4.jpg

I can't make out the mark on the left, it's a proof, obviously, but which one I can't tell

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-8...7K_6539-X4.jpg

I see the E25 in more than a few places with the cross

I did find a "P" stamped on the Frame, I think, but no dates after. Hopefully I can get down to the back of the lot and put some rounds through it this afternoon..

Nice gun.

All parts have the subcobtractor and steel type marked when needed. The marking on the left bottom of the receiver is that of SIG in Neunhausen, who manufactured the receiver

The marking on the frame rear is that of Waffenfabrik Bern.
The frame was also made by SIG, you will find their marking in the rear frame well also.

nice pictures, BTW !

Thanks! I wonder about the barrel not having a serial number, is that an indication that it was replaced at some point, or did some get out with no sn?

I think the gun saw some repairs after being privatized.
It seems that whoever took ownership after military service kept the pistol and used it well.

I thought I saw a P somewhere, but not in any of the usual places. I ran some rounds through it, so it will get cleaned here tonight or tomorrow and I'll look again.

"There is a very faint import mark on the r/h side of the frame, sadly."

Newbie question: How much does an import engraving/stamp devalue a pistol?

It depends on whom you ask. Some collectors eschew import marks as unoriginal. Others consider it part of a pistol's history/provenance. Overall, it doesn't kill a pistol's value "bigly" but some would pay more for the same gun without one.

I only comment on the import mark as its one of the more subtle ones I've seen, and it's in an inconspicous place. As opposed to, say, my CZ 52 where's its etched across the side of the slide in leters as big as they could get it.

Nice pistol! Yep, you are a collector.

How did it shoot?

Curl

Hand held off the bench at ~25 yards or so, PPU factory ammo. My disclamer here is that I'm going through a bout of Bells Palsy, and it's my shootin' eye that's affected. Full of ointment and eyedrops most of the time, so my hold may not have been all that consistent. Ran about 50 rounds through it, no malfunctions, no issues, like a fine swiss watch.

This is a 6'o clock hold, seems a little high for my tastes but....

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-Z..._155453-X4.jpg

Many of these were reworked as part of being decommissioned (a Bern rework was offered to the officers when they were retiring). The replacement parts may have been installed at that time.

I wouldn't consider it "mismatched" as the work was likely arsenal work, and rework of Swiss lugers by the arsenal is quite normal.

The 699xx serial number is a rather high one. I don't have my books here; what is the date on the frame in front of the slide lock?

These high precision Lugers are excellent.

Hard to tell...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-n...7K_6545-X4.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Guns1/i-t...7K_6547-X4.jpg

So, made in 1943. The month is probably stamped to the left of the 4 in the shadow.

I don't see anything there.. looked very carefully with flashlight and magnifer... The only other thing I see is that script looking "3"? between the 4 and the 3. Might not even be a number..

Nice
 

Real nice pistol and great photos Thanks

That's not bad at 25 yards. A bit high, yes... but the Swiss may have zeroed their pistols at 50 meters or more. They were intended to hit large (human size) targets so a few inches high at 25 yards wouldn't be an issue.

50 rounds without a problem is great. You have a good one that will give you a lot of pleasure.

All 5 of my Lugers shoot high. Maybe it's them or maybe it's me. :confused:

I don't recall where my '24 shoots. I'll have to take it out today or tomorrow and find out...

1943 seems correct for the serial number. Not all the '29 had the month stamped.

Yes at the time pistols in Switzerland were zeroed for 50m