Pix from Forensics Exam
 

All,

I sent a series of my ill-executed pictures to John S, AKA our Site Moderator. He assures me they will be posted soon. I feel very confident that he may have an edge on me in getting them on line because I had zero success. In any event, pls enjoy. I welcome questions about my interpretation and opinions.

Tom A

Tom, I hope you don't mind, but I'm on-line and will post your pictures right here:

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy1.jpg

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy2.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy3.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy4.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy5.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy6.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy7.JPG

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Navy8.JPG

Tom,

In the second pic, showing the bottom of the bbl and cannon, I know the two digits on the lug are the last two #'s of the SN. Do you know the significance of the "20" just ahead of the lug? Is that the first two digits of the SN? I can't read the first two #'s on the bbl, but it looks like they may be "20". [img]confused.gif[/img]

Hugh,

You get the cigar. The first two digits are 20.

Tom A.

Thanks for the photo-posting assist Ed! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Hi Tom:

That is a model 1914. Is it a 1916 or 1917? It does not appear to have been buffed or blued. You have an authentic genuine model 1914 Navy Luger. That is a REAL beauty!

Dan

Tom,
On picture number two, there are some markings on the underside of the barrel. A bit out of focus, but it looks like the tail end of "GERMANY". What is that? The barrel alignment marks seem to be off a tad bit.
Big Norm

Tom
My Navy was manufactured within 40 numbers earlier than yours. Would love to get together and compare Lugers sometime.
larry

Hi Larry,

I am on the at present; will be back in mid week but only to down load dirty laundry and relaod clean; then off again until SUN PM.

Would love to do a side by side disassembly and comparison. What part of the Old Dominion "yat" as they say in Nawlens.

Tom

Tom
I live in the Roanoke area. Could meet you at White's Truck Stop which is about half way for each of us. Shoot me an email and I will send you my Telephone number. Tried to e-mail you but said your mail was full and would not accept mine.
larry

Yo Tac! You forgot that the USA also gave the world the Hulla Hoop and Pet Rocks. History will never be the same. The above pictures of what could be the tail end of "Germany" are out of focus. It could be something else. Yes, British proof marks and other import marks (with the exception of the word "GERMANY" which was rarely put on the underside of the barrel) do reduce the collectibility value of a Luger as does restoration work. Collectors are the people who pay the big dollars for originality. Just any slapped together or altered Luger has never demanded the big money. Although, I must admit that there are a number of small time and unscrupulous dealers who think otherwise.
Big Norm

Tacfoley,

Did you ever drive an Edsel? I worked for Ford at the time they came out. I was a new engineer, couldn't afford a new car (or a Luger--I had a P-38 as my only handgun at the time--much cheaper than a 1911). Anyway, the Edsel really drove very well--I liked it. Our engineering group had one for employee use on the job. Sadly, the market was wrong for a new car and the toilet seat grille hurt it badly.

Dear Tacfoley,
This is a bit off topic, but I'll shoot for it anyway. The Edsel was never considered a bad car. In MBA marketing school classes, it is considered as an example of bad market timing of a big car at a time that America was down sizing autos. As a collectors car, it is a prize. Not as big a prize as the original Mustag or the 1954-56 Chevy, but right up there.
But now to get back on topic. I am surprised that you would focus in the out-of-focus markings on the underside of the barrel. In my original comments, I mentioned two things to look at and the markings under the barrel were the least important of the two. The markings just would affect the price which would only matter to Tom A. The barrel alignment markings being a tad off was the more important of the two. These markings are not supposed to be even a tad off. For some unknown reason, this barrel could have been replaced/removed. I could be wrong, but Tom A should take a look at that for his own benefit and curiousity.
Big Norm

Tacfoley & Big Norm, I'd be interested in seeing a picture taken perfectly perpendicular to the barrel/receiver witness marks. The angle from which the picture we're seeing was taken may make the witness mark appear to be ever so slightly off. Only a picture from directly above will truly show if it's off or not.

Guys,

It was the camera angle; the marks are not perfectly even in diameter along their length; rather, under the loupe, the distant ends and the near ends are slightly more narrow. I surmise this was to ensure a more precise "witness". In any event, at an angle, they appear misaligned when they are in fact dead on. Regrettably I do not have time to do a pic tonight.

Tom A.