Hello John,
Unfortunately, I do not have access to my photo albums at the moment while I am living overseas which contain macro photos of each 'GL' stamp, namely for my 1900 'Swiss Acceptance' Luger serial #13, and my 1900 'GL' 3-Position Tangent Sight Luger serial #20. Until I can obtain these photos from storage, I shall try my best to describe each 'GL' hallmark and its position relative to a serial number placements.
The 'GL' hallmark on the 1900 'Swiss Acceptance' Luger is stamped on the tail-end of the toggle, however, the serial number of the pistol is stamped below on the rear of the frame as well as on the rear toggle block (see image below) - in other words, the 'GL' and serial number are separated and this arrangement/placement is unique to these series of pistols between 1899 and very early 1900. You might be able to see the 'GL' in the image at an angle and the lightness of the stamp/hallmark.
I would like to point out that this pistol has been Swiss Arsenal refurbished after the end of the Swiss Trials, and a few small parts have been replaced which was normal for a pistol that received some criticisms from the Swiss Pistol Commission. One major criticism was the thin trigger on the original pistols and, consequently, my pistol probably had the original thin trigger replaced with an
unnumbered wide trigger when they became available between 1902/03 (?). Furthermore, the extractor was replaced with a reinforced 'hump' extractor; the ejector was replaced and stamped internally with a '+' on the 'hook'; and the front sight was replaced and also stamped with a '+'. My pistol was
NOT one of the 20 pistols which participated in the 1899 Swiss Trials, but instead, one of the 20 pistols which was presented as gifts to the Swiss Pistol Commission after the trials. Not a bad idea for a good marketing strategy! For this reason, it is accepted that these pistols had been stamped with a 'GL' hallmark. In regards to the serial number placement, I would like to highlight three important numbers, namely the one on the right side of the magazine release and takedown lever, and the one on the underside of the barrel, parallel to the bore axis. Interestingly, the barrel on my pistol was not replaced, unlike the one on the M1899 serial #19.
In regards to my 1900 Tangent Sight Luger, the 'GL' hallmark is stamped slightly more bold and deeper than compared to other 'GL' Lugers which I have examined. To give a general idea of depth, the 'GL' is about the same depth as the numbers on the ramp sight. It is my opinion that the 'GL' and serial numbers were stamped on the pistol before specific areas were hardened. In the case of the Tangent Sight Lugers with a 'GL' hallmark (bear in mind that some of these pistols and carbines do not have a 'GL' hallmark), both these stamps were close together, the 'GL' on top and the serial number on the bottom. There is no set rule or pattern which determines whether a 'GL' hallmark is correct or incorrect, and in most cases, a collector has to go with his 'gut feeling' and logic. For example, when examining a 'GL' Luger, do not only examine the 'GL' hallmark - examine the
entire pistol and look for those 'comfort zones' which prove authenticity.
Buying rare and expensive Lugers might leave a collector exposed to the aggressive nature, jealousy and criticisms from other collectors and dealers, and for this reason, I have always had my Lugers authenticated and certified by my personal friend Mr. Charles Kenyon with whom I have had so far a 20 year relationship. Should I ever sell a Luger from my personal collection, it also comes with the certificate of authenticity.
As I continue to conduct more research on Ludw. Loewe & Co., the two brothers and their financial 'empire', the DWM factory and Georg Luger's role and duties in the company, I may wish to provide another hypothesis for the meaning of the 'GL' hallmark. But, that might be another chapter!
Cheers,
Albert