mac

HI!


Yes, I am reading the message. It is a tough luger to identify as the model/date information changes from document to document. The Portug. Navy identification may place it in the realm of the very very obscure/rare contract or personal piece. Interestingly, the editor of National Geographic is reported to have owned a Portuguese luger for many years. DWM made a lot of small contract runs and this could be one of those. Pictures and more data may be necessary. Very few pistols were chromed before 1945. Some guns were nickle plated but the materials and process associated with chrome did not see widespread application till used on automobiles in, I believe the late 20's early 30's. I know of no lugers that were manufactured with chrome finish and had DWM or Mauser (who made some contract lugers with DWM stamped on the toggle) applied chrome, more guns would have received the treatment.


All chrome lugers I know of were chromed in the US after WW2 to pretty them up into decorative pieces. The gun may have come to your father chromed but was likely chromed long after it was manufactured and probably by a US owner.


Even if it is a contract piece, a removal of the chrome surface and replacement of bluing plus, probably, grips replacement or restoration, would be needed to give the pistol a value much above $450.


I hope no criticism or inappropriate meaning was or is received with my evaluation. I am only trying to be as helpful as I can in providing identification and valuation information. I also admit to having difficulty identifying the type luger given the information. Regardless, I feel the value is driven largely by the finish--an uncommon situation except in instances of chroming, replaced parts or other significant change from original manufactured condition.


Congratulations on having a luger! They are amazing pieces of history!


David