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mrerick · 01-30-2013, 11:06 AM

Hi Patrick, and welcome to the forum.

Is this Luger in .30 Luger caliber (rather than 9mm Luger caliber)? You can check by trying to insert a #2 pencil into the muzzle. If it fits very tightly, or won't fit in the pistol is .30 Luger.

If it's .30 Luger, you most probably are looking at a DWM manufactured Alphabet Commercial from the early 1920s (probably 1922).

The Crown/N proof is a commercial nitro proof.

What's unusual with the pistol you're looking at is that the safety sear block bar normally would not be numbered on one of these.

This one looks to be in nice shape, but I can't tell if it's been refinished. Are there "halos" around the serial number digits on the barrel? If not, it's been refinished.

As to value, the .30 Luger alphabet commercial pistols are not as highly valued as military ones. Also, if the safety is a mismatch, that drops value. If it's refinished that drops value. No magazine visible. If original and period that's good. If after market that drops the value.

A couple of years ago, I bought a nice all matching 95% alphabet commercial Luger with original magazine in original finish for $675.

Marc

01-30-2013, 11:06 AM	#2
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,140 Times in 1,520 Posts	Hi Patrick, and welcome to the forum. Is this Luger in .30 Luger caliber (rather than 9mm Luger caliber)? You can check by trying to insert a #2 pencil into the muzzle. If it fits very tightly, or won't fit in the pistol is .30 Luger. If it's .30 Luger, you most probably are looking at a DWM manufactured Alphabet Commercial from the early 1920s (probably 1922). The Crown/N proof is a commercial nitro proof. What's unusual with the pistol you're looking at is that the safety sear block bar normally would not be numbered on one of these. This one looks to be in nice shape, but I can't tell if it's been refinished. Are there "halos" around the serial number digits on the barrel? If not, it's been refinished. As to value, the .30 Luger alphabet commercial pistols are not as highly valued as military ones. Also, if the safety is a mismatch, that drops value. If it's refinished that drops value. No magazine visible. If original and period that's good. If after market that drops the value. A couple of years ago, I bought a nice all matching 95% alphabet commercial Luger with original magazine in original finish for $675. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.