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bill m · 11-05-2001, 03:11 PM

Norm,

I think JP's comments were concerning the 1904 variation, but he can clarify that with you. I have never seen a 1904 that hadn't been messed with in some way. Still has a couple pictured in his book and comments that they were both messed with. I have been told that there is no such thing as a complete original as issued 1904 as all of them have been tinkered with at sometime, and some even contend that there was never even such a model. Who knows?

As far as fake navy 6 inch Lugers go, there are a lot of total fakes out there, especially in the 1916 and 1917 dated variations. The rear site is either from a shooter, or is newly milled. They take a $400 1920 commercial, and install a new barrel, new rear site, remove the crown N proofs and Germany mark, add the C/M's and the serial number needed, put a date on it, refinish the blue, install the old strawed parts, make a matching magazine, and presto, a 1916 dated navy. Unless you know exactly what to look for, you will be fooled as these are extremely well made. $400 1920 becomes a $3200 prize navy. They will fool 99% of the collectors. People seem to think that they can tell a fake, but these guys know Lugers, finishes, straw colors, stamps, and have this down to an art.

I once examined two K-date Lugers that had both scriptic and gothic S's on all the parts. Looked great. They had rounded barrel bands that did not come into use until 1936. These were new made barrels, even had the stepped front sight, with all the correct stamps, proof marks, and serial numbers. A total fake.

11-05-2001, 03:11 PM	#5
bill m User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 385 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Navy Luger Fakes Norm, I think JP's comments were concerning the 1904 variation, but he can clarify that with you. I have never seen a 1904 that hadn't been messed with in some way. Still has a couple pictured in his book and comments that they were both messed with. I have been told that there is no such thing as a complete original as issued 1904 as all of them have been tinkered with at sometime, and some even contend that there was never even such a model. Who knows? As far as fake navy 6 inch Lugers go, there are a lot of total fakes out there, especially in the 1916 and 1917 dated variations. The rear site is either from a shooter, or is newly milled. They take a $400 1920 commercial, and install a new barrel, new rear site, remove the crown N proofs and Germany mark, add the C/M's and the serial number needed, put a date on it, refinish the blue, install the old strawed parts, make a matching magazine, and presto, a 1916 dated navy. Unless you know exactly what to look for, you will be fooled as these are extremely well made. $400 1920 becomes a $3200 prize navy. They will fool 99% of the collectors. People seem to think that they can tell a fake, but these guys know Lugers, finishes, straw colors, stamps, and have this down to an art. I once examined two K-date Lugers that had both scriptic and gothic S's on all the parts. Looked great. They had rounded barrel bands that did not come into use until 1936. These were new made barrels, even had the stepped front sight, with all the correct stamps, proof marks, and serial numbers. A total fake.