1911 DWM, Military or Commercial?

RylanBrissette · 11-20-2016, 12:58 AM

Hi Guys,

I was hoping to get a little bit more information about this one. It's a 1911 dated DWM. I'm of the opinion this is a military pistol but serial numbers are marked "commercial style". Is that correct? Any other comments about this pistol would be appreciated. Thanks!

pursihei · 11-20-2016, 05:00 AM

It is a Commercial model with the military acceptance markings on the right side. The 1st World War started 1914.

Edward Tinker · 11-20-2016, 05:07 AM

Commercial style was seen on earlier Lugers and then military placement was used,

I think the FAQ discusses this.

George Anderson · 11-20-2016, 08:55 AM

It's a standard military issue early 1911 P08. Late in the 1911 production year the more common military type numbering of the pistol and magazine was started. This one appears to be either Bavarian or Wuerttemberg issue as it lacks a hold-open.

Rylan, is it unit marked on the front grip strap?

RylanBrissette · 11-21-2016, 11:49 PM

Thanks for all of your replies. I am not sure if it is unit marked or not. This one will be up for auction saturday, and I will not have a chance to have a hands on inspection until that time. One question. How can one see from the outside of the pistol, whether or not it has a "hold open"?

DonVoigt · 11-22-2016, 12:16 AM

There is no evidence of the addition of the hold open pin, and no acceptance stamp at the location.
Maybe someone can find a better picture for you of what to look for.

In this one you can see the upper circle of the pin in the rail at the far left, center of the picture; with the inspection marking just below it.

11-20-2016, 12:58 AM	#1
RylanBrissette User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 189 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	1911 DWM, Military or Commercial? Hi Guys, I was hoping to get a little bit more information about this one. It's a 1911 dated DWM. I'm of the opinion this is a military pistol but serial numbers are marked "commercial style". Is that correct? Any other comments about this pistol would be appreciated. Thanks! Attached Thumbnails

11-20-2016, 05:00 AM	#2
pursihei User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	It is a Commercial model with the military acceptance markings on the right side. The 1st World War started 1914. __________________ JPu Last edited by pursihei; 11-20-2016 at 05:36 AM. Reason: more details seen

11-20-2016, 05:07 AM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,992 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	Commercial style was seen on earlier Lugers and then military placement was used, I think the FAQ discusses this. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-22-2016, 12:16 AM	#6
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,678 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,348 Times in 2,038 Posts	There is no evidence of the addition of the hold open pin, and no acceptance stamp at the location. Maybe someone can find a better picture for you of what to look for. In this one you can see the upper circle of the pin in the rail at the far left, center of the picture; with the inspection marking just below it. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

11-20-2016, 08:55 AM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,527 Times in 786 Posts	It's a standard military issue early 1911 P08. Late in the 1911 production year the more common military type numbering of the pistol and magazine was started. This one appears to be either Bavarian or Wuerttemberg issue as it lacks a hold-open. Rylan, is it unit marked on the front grip strap?

11-21-2016, 11:49 PM	#5
RylanBrissette User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 189 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks for all of your replies. I am not sure if it is unit marked or not. This one will be up for auction saturday, and I will not have a chance to have a hands on inspection until that time. One question. How can one see from the outside of the pistol, whether or not it has a "hold open"?