Loading Tools
 

As we are all aware, the Military loading tools had the Waffenamt stamp, or the Mauser replacement code of S/42 or 42 stamped on the tool. Also, the none stamped tools were basically commercial tools. While looking through a number of tools at a gun show several months ago, there were a number of these with no stamps. Why is it that there always seems to be a lot of these unmarked tools (not the post war E. German) around? Did DWM or Mauser produce that many commercial tools? Were any commercial/unmarked tools put into the Military system the last couple of years of Mauser manufacture? This tool really does not seem to be a critical part that would require Waffenamt inspection and did they drop this in 1939, 40, 41, & 42? What are some thoughts on this as I always looked for the correct Waffenamt when buying a rig?


Marvin

Re: Loading Tools
 

I have examined a number of complete rigs which were shown to me by veterans who captured and brought them back, and about half of them had unmarked tools.

Re: Loading Tools
 

According to the 1910 Order, the tool was to be stamped with the 3.2mm Acceptance Stamp (25 parts of the P 08, the cleaning rod, the tool and the reserve magazine). But the 1910 Order was only carried out in its entirety by the Erfurt Rifle Factory. Some authorities maintain that tools without the stamp are DWM, some say that they are post 1918 or even that they are tools that were supplied later.


By the way, why didn�´t the Swiss issue loading tools?


Patrick

Re: Loading Tools
 

Hi,

You are asking if the German Military did not inspect the tools. That is what these marks are, German Military acceptance marks. I highly doubt that any Mauser military Lugers were issued without an inspected tool. DWM's were suppose to be issued blank tools. Commercial Lugers and a lot of police Lugers also I suspect were issued blank tools. I think a lot of the Mauser Banner police Lugers were issued blank tools. I think the last byf's had E/655 or E/135 tools, but no blanks.

Re:Unmarked loading tools
 

It is my observation that the original DWM tools, both Military and commerical, were unproofed, just like the small parts on their pistols. The military may have set some marking and serial number placement regulations in 1910, but that doesn't mean that DWM followed them to the letter, since that military seemed pleased with their procedures since 1908. Generally, the DWM tools have a fairly rough polish and are in the white. While the Mauser commerical (unproofed) tools are highly polished and dip blued.

Re: Loading Tools
 

From info that I recieved the byf Portuguese tools were unmarked also. I wonder if Mauser had a bunch left over at the end of the war?

Re:Unmarked loading tools
 

DWM did not follow the order for the marking of the P08 as set out in 1910, but Erfurt followed it to the letter. Even the grip screws were to be proofed, and Erfurt absolutely complied.