Re: What it means?
Hello Frank,
Your Luger sounds like a standard Military pistol. If it was a Naval pistol, there would probably be an "N" or "O" followed by a number stamped on the gripstrap (I think they were still marking Naval pistols in 1937 with the inventory number). There also may be some other Naval stamps with an Eagle/M on the frame. If your pistol does not have these, it will be a standard Military pistol.
As 66mustang stated, your pistol sounds like it has been platee with either nickle or chrome as some point in it's life, and most assuredly after the war by the veteran. It was a common practice for returning vets to have their "prize" dolled up with the plating. Today, it seriously effects the collectible value by 50% or more according to how well the job is done. This plating in no way effects the use of the pistol as a nice shooter, and the history behind the pistol is still there, take care of it!
The Eagle/63 is an inspection stamp called a Waffenamt Stamp. This stamp was put there by a Government employee to assure that the pistol met all the quality standards of a Military pistol. You can read the history of the Heereswaffenamt in the Technical Section of the Forum, under the heading of "Markings", and the top line.
The third stamp will be an Eagle clutching a Swastika in a circle. This was the final test proof of the pistol when it fired 3 proof load rounds and showed no problems.
Hope this helps a little and if you need more information, let us know.
Marvin
|