Swiss Luger ID Help

harrisonhud · 04-02-2024, 08:52 PM

All,

A friend of a friend is trying to find information on a Luger his wife recently inherited. I was asked to assist (although I am more of a 1911 guy). I will say up front that the pics I was sent are the type that drive folks like me who love to peruse these forums crazy. However, any information would be greatly appreciated. He says the serial number is 8216, and that there is a crown over an “N” (I believe above the trigger on the left hand side).

Thoughts on ID and or value? The condition appears fairly rough to me, but I advised him not to clean it whatsoever.

Ron Wood · 04-03-2024, 01:29 AM

There is nothing to indicate it is a Swiss. It appears to be a 1920's Commercial in poor condition valuable only as a shooter. And since it is probably 7.65mm caliber, not worth much more than $750. He can clean it all he wants to, it wont affect the value

Doubs · 04-03-2024, 02:11 AM

I agree with Ron. I see nothing to suggest that it's Swiss.

Kiwi · 04-03-2024, 12:05 PM

harrisonhud, click on the FAQ along the top bar to get a wealth of info on Lugers.

Clearly marked DMW on the top
Does not have the Swiss cross on the top
Does not have the grip safety that Swiss Lugers have

The Trigger Sideplate is not numbered on the top indicating Commercial not military
Military would be 9mm, most Commercial 7.65mm (.30 Luger)

A closer look at the photo shows corrosion, ergo "rough shape"
If the bore has rust or pitting it may not be woth much at all.

Patrick Sweeney · 04-03-2024, 12:34 PM

As a long-time gunsmith, the advice "clean it all he wants to" almost makes me cringe.

I've seen "cleaning" and it can be ugly.

so, if he does want to clean it, the advice is simple" by hand, using 0000 steel wool, and lots of oil as a lubricant while scrubbing.

Gets the rust off and preserves what original finish is left, if he's not too heavy-handed.

Soapbox off.

harrisonhud · 04-03-2024, 02:14 PM

I apologize for the mis-identification gentlemen, and thank you sincerely for your guidance!

Roadster 02 · 04-03-2024, 04:11 PM

Or a brass brush works well for cleaning rust off without damage to the finish.

04-02-2024, 08:52 PM	#1
harrisonhud New User Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 2 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Swiss Luger ID Help All, A friend of a friend is trying to find information on a Luger his wife recently inherited. I was asked to assist (although I am more of a 1911 guy). I will say up front that the pics I was sent are the type that drive folks like me who love to peruse these forums crazy. However, any information would be greatly appreciated. He says the serial number is 8216, and that there is a crown over an “N” (I believe above the trigger on the left hand side). Thoughts on ID and or value? The condition appears fairly rough to me, but I advised him not to clean it whatsoever. Attached Thumbnails

04-03-2024, 01:29 AM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,178 Times in 1,703 Posts	There is nothing to indicate it is a Swiss. It appears to be a 1920's Commercial in poor condition valuable only as a shooter. And since it is probably 7.65mm caliber, not worth much more than $750. He can clean it all he wants to, it wont affect the value __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

04-03-2024, 02:11 AM	#3
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,697 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,684 Times in 553 Posts	I agree with Ron. I see nothing to suggest that it's Swiss.

04-03-2024, 12:05 PM	#4
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 307 Thanks: 215 Thanked 435 Times in 172 Posts	harrisonhud, click on the FAQ along the top bar to get a wealth of info on Lugers. Clearly marked DMW on the top Does not have the Swiss cross on the top Does not have the grip safety that Swiss Lugers have The Trigger Sideplate is not numbered on the top indicating Commercial not military Military would be 9mm, most Commercial 7.65mm (.30 Luger) A closer look at the photo shows corrosion, ergo "rough shape" If the bore has rust or pitting it may not be woth much at all.

04-03-2024, 12:34 PM	#5
Patrick Sweeney User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 67 Thanks: 0 Thanked 50 Times in 25 Posts	As a long-time gunsmith, the advice "clean it all he wants to" almost makes me cringe. I've seen "cleaning" and it can be ugly. so, if he does want to clean it, the advice is simple" by hand, using 0000 steel wool, and lots of oil as a lubricant while scrubbing. Gets the rust off and preserves what original finish is left, if he's not too heavy-handed. Soapbox off.

04-03-2024, 02:14 PM	#6
harrisonhud New User Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 2 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I apologize for the mis-identification gentlemen, and thank you sincerely for your guidance!

04-03-2024, 04:11 PM	#7
Roadster 02 User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Rocky Mountain High Posts: 313 Thanks: 173 Thanked 252 Times in 87 Posts	Or a brass brush works well for cleaning rust off without damage to the finish.