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DaveL · 09-09-2007, 10:57 PM

Hi Guys,
I've been gun collecting for 30+ years now and I finally got my first Luger yesterday after wanting one for years. YEA!! It's a 1918 (front top of frame) DWM (center of toggle) serial # 9164. It has all matching numbers (64) except the sideplate, which is 66. On the under side of the barrel is the serial number and under that is what looks like a small cursive i and under that is 8.83. On the very front of the frame is the serial number and what looks like another cursive small i under it. At the rear left side of the frame, under the safety is written GESICHERT. On the right front of the frame are 4 proof or inspectors marks. The first is a crown over what looks like a whale swimming downward. The second and third ones are a crown over what looks like a fancy S or 8. The forth one looks like a lobster. It has a lanyard loop at the rear of the frame and a slot for the rifle stock on the backstrap. It is missing the grips (screws are there) and the mag. The entire gun is blued with no straw colors. If it's been reblued, the guy who did it did a good job and didn't run the numbers with his buffer. Even the proof marks are crisp and clear and there are visible machining marks in various places. There are some other marks that would be under the grips at the bottom of the frame. Left side looks like a check mark followed by what looks like a roman numeral 9 (IX) and the right side it looks like a not fully struck K. I'll try to get some pics when I get new batteries for my camera.
My questions are: (I have lots more questions but I'll try not to ask too many right now)
The most important question I have is, what caliber is it, 9mm or 30 Luger? (There is no caliber designation on the pistol anywhere)
Was it reblued?
When was it made?
Is it civilian or military?
Was the sideplate replaced?
What are the chances of finding original grips and an original mag and what can I expect to pay for them? (GunParts has aftermarket but I would like to have originals)
Speaking of the grips, did it originally have walnut, plastic, checkered or flat grips?
Did the mag have wood or metal or something else for the bottom piece?
TIA for any info.
Dave L

09-09-2007, 10:57 PM	#1
DaveL User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 22 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1918 Dwm Hi Guys, I've been gun collecting for 30+ years now and I finally got my first Luger yesterday after wanting one for years. YEA!! It's a 1918 (front top of frame) DWM (center of toggle) serial # 9164. It has all matching numbers (64) except the sideplate, which is 66. On the under side of the barrel is the serial number and under that is what looks like a small cursive i and under that is 8.83. On the very front of the frame is the serial number and what looks like another cursive small i under it. At the rear left side of the frame, under the safety is written GESICHERT. On the right front of the frame are 4 proof or inspectors marks. The first is a crown over what looks like a whale swimming downward. The second and third ones are a crown over what looks like a fancy S or 8. The forth one looks like a lobster. It has a lanyard loop at the rear of the frame and a slot for the rifle stock on the backstrap. It is missing the grips (screws are there) and the mag. The entire gun is blued with no straw colors. If it's been reblued, the guy who did it did a good job and didn't run the numbers with his buffer. Even the proof marks are crisp and clear and there are visible machining marks in various places. There are some other marks that would be under the grips at the bottom of the frame. Left side looks like a check mark followed by what looks like a roman numeral 9 (IX) and the right side it looks like a not fully struck K. I'll try to get some pics when I get new batteries for my camera. My questions are: (I have lots more questions but I'll try not to ask too many right now) The most important question I have is, what caliber is it, 9mm or 30 Luger? (There is no caliber designation on the pistol anywhere) Was it reblued? When was it made? Is it civilian or military? Was the sideplate replaced? What are the chances of finding original grips and an original mag and what can I expect to pay for them? (GunParts has aftermarket but I would like to have originals) Speaking of the grips, did it originally have walnut, plastic, checkered or flat grips? Did the mag have wood or metal or something else for the bottom piece? TIA for any info. Dave L