Hello Chico,
It is interesting to learn that you are offering this pistol for sale which we had previously discussed a few months ago.
For those collectors who wish to have some insight about this particular pistol, I wish to share my opinions regarding this pistol:
1) It is not unusual for this pistol to have a B-suffix. I am aware of a same pistol with the exact serial number 10000 without a suffix. My explanation of the B-suffix could indicate a dealer sample pistol in comparison to a few Mauser C96 'alphabet' pistols which I have examined (made around 1902-1904) having only a character for a record such as L, M, Q, R, and U. It is interesting to observe that some other early Luger pistols with a B-suffix have different barrel lengths (in one or two cases in caliber 9 mm) which DWM may have been sending out to foreign dealers or military commissions for evaluation or test marketing;
2) Although this pistol does not have an unrelieved frame, it is acceptable that the pistol was provided with a magazine having a flat button. There is no set rule from DWM which dictates the type of (early) magazine for an early Luger pistol. There is nothing odd about this magazine which is absolutely correct and untouched.
It is a pity that the push-button stock is missing which would make this pistol more desirable. Maybe the next owner will consider having a replica stock made for this pistol, but the attaching iron has to be made with precision.
Cheers,
Albert
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