1916-17 Navy Date Stamping Question
 

1916-17 Navy Lugers have the date (1916 or 1917) stamped in what looks like 1.5mm characters on the front left frame rail and the left front sight ramp.

Were these normally stamped with the same die sets?

Were the 4 digits in the date stamped individually or as a group?

Was the spacing of the frame rail date identical or nearly identical to the spacing on the front sight ramp?

Would appreciate your observations on known-authentic Navy Lugers you might have in your possession.

Thanks for your help.

Luke

Hi Luke,

To answer your questions:

"Were these normally stamped with the same die sets?"

YES

"Were the 4 digits in the date stamped individually or as a group?"

They appear to have been stamped individually

"Was the spacing of the frame rail date identical or nearly identical to the spacing on the front sight ramp?"

No. Significant variances exist including the cant of the numbers.

These observations taken from 4 known to be unquestionably authentic.

Tom A.

Tom -

Thank you for the information. This has been very helpful.

Regards,
Luke

Luke,
Always a pleasure.

Tom A