If I remember correctly, in 1923 the U.S. import laws changed from requiring imported objects be marked GERMANY to being marked MADE IN GERMANY. I have decided to expand the Commercial serial number database to include the Alphabet Commercial series looking for this feature particularly, to see if it provides a data point to help refine the production dates of these guns.
So, dust off your Alphabet Commercials please, and send me the following information:
serial number (full, with suffix)
GERMANY, MADE IN GERMANY, or NO export mark
caliber
serial numbers, hidden or exposed
commercial proof?
Also note any noteworthy features, i.e. if it has a barrel other than 3 3/4 in; if it is a Police gun; if so what the unit mark is (if present); if it has any kind of right-receiver acceptance mark; etc. Also, be sure to check your John Martz conversions, as he commonly utilizes Alphabet Commercials as donor guns.
As usual, please post the information here or send it to me at
dwightg@pacifier.com. I know there are a lot of these guns out there, I very much appreciate all of you taking the time to check out your Lugers and pass the information on.
--Dwight