[quote]Originally posted by AGE:
<strong>What does the lack of a date, Germany stamp and proofs mean? Commercial? Machined off? Or?????</strong><hr></blockquote>
Indeed, that's the question which is puzzling me--at least, the no-proofs part.
Here's what can be said (note that there are a lot of conditionals, probablys, maybes here). The sear safety indicates a police rework. Since the modification involves both the cannon and the side plate, and the side plate number matches the frame, the mismatched frame and upper were mated at or before this time. Rear toggle pins were not number-stamped until 1932 (which means that originally DWMs were never so marked). Yours implies that the police conversion was probably done after that date.
Police rework included complete refinish. Police guns I have examined, the one I own, photographs I have seen, indicate that they commonly retain most of that finish--blue and straw--this is a good thing, and should cause you no concern.
The military style (surface) number stamping on the frame parts indicates that the frame is probably of military origin. The lack of the "Germany" export stamp is to be expected.
Bore condition makes me enter the territory of Wild Ass Speculation. My own examination of witness marks, common sense (these guns have been shot for 60-100 years) and Forum correspondence, suggest that even "authentic" Lugers have gone through more alteration (certainly at the service depot or armory level) than is commonly suspected. Examine your witness mark -very- carefully.
The blank chamber would be proper for a cannon/upper of Commercial origin. It is the total lack of proof marks which breaks me down and makes me cry "uncle". This condition should simply not be, and I finally reach the limit of my knowledge and experience to even speculate.
--Dwight
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