Help on ID
 

This afternoon I looked at a 1914 DWM with this front grip marking WAFFENMSTR ALEY 1/72 This piece is a vet return, never been seen since it's return. Any ideas?

I got an idea, send me your email address and I will send you photos of my 1914 DWM police, offered on Auction Arms right now and I would take $750 too stop auction. Has matched mag and great condition. Or log on too AA and view it for yourself.

GIZMOMANG@AOL.COM I'm interested in your Luger. Please send pics.

Thanks,

Morris Gardner

Carl, Your grip strap marking sounds more like an import's mark than a unit marking. Is it possible that someone sent it to John Martz to add his Safey Toggle Release (MSTR)? If so, pushing the safety lever down, would release the toggle from the held open position. TH

Tom,
This gun does not have the hold-open. A little background on the gun. The man who owns it is 83 years old. Many years ago he got it from his aunt who got it from her father. (the present owners great uncle) His aunt had it in her attic for over 50 years. It may seem like a tall dog story but I have no reason not to believe him. Other than it's age the gun looks like it was made yesterday.

Pictures of the markings would help a bunch!

Tom A.

Carl,
When you say the gun does not have a hold-open, do you mean it is missing, or never had one?

Tom A.
Sorry I'm a blubbering idiot when it comes to computers. No scanner or digital camera.

Ron,
I don't have the gun with me but will check tomorrow.

Carl, In my opinion you have a privately purchased luger which the owner had his name stamped. "WAFFENMSTR ALEY" The "1/72" is a typical Weimar style marking. It translates to 1st Kompagnie, 72nd Infanterie-Regiment. This type of designation is also found on WWI era helmets I.D.s etc. I have one luger in my data base which is marked with the "/" which must be Imperial as it is "9/413.N.11." There were not 413 Infantry Regiments after WWI. Please send me the serial number if it is available. http://home.earthlink.net/~nopubl w/r Jeff

Ron Wood,
I was able to purchase tha 1914 Luger serial #8266b. Yes it does have the hold open. When I was able to stip it down a drop of oil allowed the hold-open to work. I believe WAFFENMSTR is Waffenmeister or armorer. The grip strap would then translate "armorer ALEY 1st company 72nd infantry regiment". In 50 years of picking (not gun shows) this is the nicest WWI Luger I have found.