Re: Belgium Contract ? (long)
Gents,
take a hard look at that piece and consider a few things...
First of all, it has a stock lug. Prior to 1913, I don't think so.
Second, it appears to have both the Walther and Schiewey safties. Those went only on German police pistols didn't they?
Third, look closely at the "grain" of the metal and the DWM logo...sure does look like it has been buffed after the original machining/die stamping.
Fourth, think about the national insignia of Belgum-a lion. See any lions on the piece? Me neither.
And lastly, look at the Cal.9MM stamping on the barrel...kinda looks like it was added as an after thought..because it was.
The origin of this piece is known but not well known. Back in the early '50's when Sam Cummings was just starting out, he acquired a load-a couple thousand-Lugers from the Greek government via a Truman Doctrine three way military aid plan payback-remember, the Greeks were in a civil war then and we wanted to support the Anti-communist side, hence the aid and Cumming's involvement since he was recently out of the "new" C.I.A..
To move the guns in international commerce, they had to comply with the proof laws of the period. Guess who was doing contract proof work between Browning orders...you got it! Liege. This example is one of those guns. To the best of my knowledge, this is not documented in any of the standard Luger reference books as it is not a true variant but merely a secondary proof applied to a refurbished pistol, and there are LOTS of those around. My source of information is a former associate of Mr. Cummings.
Hope this helps
Tom
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