1918 DWM military

campfooey · 10-17-2014, 11:38 AM

I have a Po8 DWM 1918 military. It has all the military proofs and matching numbers but scribed with a electric marker are some small numbers on the barrel and receiver looks to be F9 - 14498. There are the standard military proofs on right side of receiver but one extra one a back to back F v shape with small letters under it [ H7aJL3 ] hard to read though. the back to back V shaped F is also on the barrel twice one next to the serial number and one upside serial no. 3121 a barrel 3121 8,82 and a 42 under that . its in good shape most of the bluing is there no pitting and good bore. There is a extra barrel align mark. any ideas of what I inherited from my uncle. john jsteffs@yahoo.com

DavidJayUden · 10-17-2014, 12:06 PM

At the risk of overstating the obvious, it seems to be a WW1 gun that was later reworked, and rebarreled, by the Nazi's.
We'll let the book guys weigh in on the different acceptance marks, but I don't recall ever seeing an electric engraving pencil being used for official markings.
dju

Edward Tinker · 10-17-2014, 12:21 PM

It deleted my very eloquent answer when I voted... jeez

I would say, 1 of 2 things IMHO

1. Owner, back in the 60's or 70's this was considered a security measure and people were encouraged to put an identifying marking on an item.

2. Police evidence markings - I lean towards this, once finished, it was released, police were not known for being discrete 'back in the day'.

I would call this a low end collectable or a shooter, as it has etchings in two places, frame and barrel...

TMB · 10-17-2014, 05:07 PM

It belonged to your Uncle, that makes it a collector item in your family.

campfooey · 10-18-2014, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

At the risk of overstating the obvious, it seems to be a WW1 gun that was later reworked, and rebarreled, by the Nazi's.
We'll let the book guys weigh in on the different acceptance marks, but I don't recall ever seeing an electric engraving pencil being used for official markings.
dju

thanks that helps

campfooey · 10-18-2014, 08:58 PM

thanks for the help

campfooey · 10-18-2014, 09:00 PM

First time on here still trying to get use to it how it all works

DavidJayUden · 10-18-2014, 09:09 PM

Sometimes it takes a while, but I'm curious what the others say about the right side acceptance marks. And also any theories about the etched numbers.
dju

Edward Tinker · 10-18-2014, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Sometimes it takes a while, but I'm curious what the others say about the right side acceptance marks. And also any theories about the etched numbers.
dju

I did... I didn't know you could block my postings...

the marking on the right is Imperial acceptance and proof and then the far left is a rework marking....

Dwight Gruber · 10-19-2014, 04:17 AM

The 42 under the barrel denotes a Mauser replacement part. The eagle/63 on the barrel is the mark of the WaffenAmt (Weapons Office) inspector who inspected and accepted the barrel. The eagle/HZaJt3 is the mark of the Herrs Zeugamt (Army Weapons Depot) at Jngolstadt (Ingolstadt) depot 3, where the rebarrelling took place.

--Dwight

K.Wilhelm · 10-19-2014, 09:29 AM

Have you shot it to see if it shoots well. If it does, I would use it as an occasional shooter being sure to treat it with the respect it deserves. KW

campfooey · 10-19-2014, 11:36 AM

I didn't try shooting yet have to buy some ammo. those electric etching marks probably ruin its collector value so I may just use it for a shooter. Thanks for all the help I really like this site.

sheepherder · 10-19-2014, 12:40 PM

For my $.02 I would class it as a 'shooter' due to the electro-pencil etchings, although if you are just starting out collecting Lugers, this is an excellent choice IMO. In my mind it is a high-end 'shooter', and in my neighborhood would probably go for $1000-$1200. Buyers hereabouts don't see Lugers very often, and don't care about re-barreling as long as it looks "original". Gun show sellers will fabricate exotic stories to explain away anything that a buyer might question.

I would detail strip it, clean everything and oil the pieces, and try 'er out. Wal-Mart Winchester White Box ammunition ["Target"] is a good shooter loading. Lugers seem especially sensitive to 100-year-old built-up crud; a good cleaning will 'cure' most ills.

ithacaartist · 10-19-2014, 01:06 PM

This one rides the line between high end shooter and low end collectible, and the distinction in this area is quite subjective. BTW, all mine are "collectible shooters"! All else being correct and in good condition can go a long way in making it desirable, but this single issue will definitely repel the hardcore experienced collector, except for its appeal as a place-holder in a collection. As Rich points out, some local markets--and many individuals--do not require as much of a Luger in order for it to sell.

campfooey · 10-20-2014, 09:45 PM

I really thankful for all the info. I guess I got a nice hand me down I'll clean it up get some target ammo and see how she shoots.

Dwight Gruber · 10-21-2014, 12:15 AM

As an in-service repair, this rebarrelling counts as original.

--Dwight

ithacaartist · 10-21-2014, 01:39 AM

This is the litany:

Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions.

Let us know how she does.

campfooey · 11-03-2014, 09:00 PM

I got some target ammo and took to the range it shoot and feed without a jam had a little more kick then I thought it would but was fun indeed thanks again for all the info it would of took me years to figure all that stuff out john

ithacaartist · 11-04-2014, 01:39 AM

John,

Glad your first experience here was positive. Now that you've shot your pistol, you should be checked for Luger-itis, a disease which compels its host to get more Lugers, the Lay's Potato Chips of firearms!

Sergio Natali · 11-04-2014, 02:43 AM

Quote:
This is the litany:
Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions..." unquote

I join David in his litany, and as usual in these cases I add: "all of these one century old Lugers should never be fired with modern high speed and high power ammunition because they may have become structurally unsound."

Safe shooting.

Sergio

View Poll Results: Worth collecting or a shooter
collecting	6	24.00%
shooter	19	76.00%
value	0	0%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

10-17-2014, 11:38 AM	#1
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	1918 DWM military I have a Po8 DWM 1918 military. It has all the military proofs and matching numbers but scribed with a electric marker are some small numbers on the barrel and receiver looks to be F9 - 14498. There are the standard military proofs on right side of receiver but one extra one a back to back F v shape with small letters under it [ H7aJL3 ] hard to read though. the back to back V shaped F is also on the barrel twice one next to the serial number and one upside serial no. 3121 a barrel 3121 8,82 and a 42 under that . its in good shape most of the bluing is there no pitting and good bore. There is a extra barrel align mark. any ideas of what I inherited from my uncle. john jsteffs@yahoo.com Attached Thumbnails

10-17-2014, 12:21 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,962 Thanks: 2,063 Thanked 4,592 Times in 2,114 Posts	It deleted my very eloquent answer when I voted... jeez I would say, 1 of 2 things IMHO 1. Owner, back in the 60's or 70's this was considered a security measure and people were encouraged to put an identifying marking on an item. 2. Police evidence markings - I lean towards this, once finished, it was released, police were not known for being discrete 'back in the day'. I would call this a low end collectable or a shooter, as it has etchings in two places, frame and barrel... __________________ 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

10-19-2014, 09:29 AM	#11
K.Wilhelm User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central Colorado Posts: 215 Thanks: 45 Thanked 109 Times in 66 Posts	Have you shot it to see if it shoots well. If it does, I would use it as an occasional shooter being sure to treat it with the respect it deserves. KW __________________ NRA Endowment Life member Proud veteran of the Naval Security Group

10-19-2014, 12:40 PM	#13
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,195 Thanks: 1,414 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	For my $.02 I would class it as a 'shooter' due to the electro-pencil etchings, although if you are just starting out collecting Lugers, this is an excellent choice IMO. In my mind it is a high-end 'shooter', and in my neighborhood would probably go for $1000-$1200. Buyers hereabouts don't see Lugers very often, and don't care about re-barreling as long as it looks "original". Gun show sellers will fabricate exotic stories to explain away anything that a buyer might question. I would detail strip it, clean everything and oil the pieces, and try 'er out. Wal-Mart Winchester White Box ammunition ["Target"] is a good shooter loading. Lugers seem especially sensitive to 100-year-old built-up crud; a good cleaning will 'cure' most ills. __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

10-17-2014, 12:06 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	At the risk of overstating the obvious, it seems to be a WW1 gun that was later reworked, and rebarreled, by the Nazi's. We'll let the book guys weigh in on the different acceptance marks, but I don't recall ever seeing an electric engraving pencil being used for official markings. dju

10-17-2014, 05:07 PM	#4
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	It belonged to your Uncle, that makes it a collector item in your family.

10-18-2014, 08:58 PM	#6
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	thanks for the help

10-18-2014, 09:00 PM	#7
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	First time on here still trying to get use to it how it all works

10-18-2014, 09:09 PM	#8
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Sometimes it takes a while, but I'm curious what the others say about the right side acceptance marks. And also any theories about the etched numbers. dju

10-19-2014, 04:17 AM	#10
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	The 42 under the barrel denotes a Mauser replacement part. The eagle/63 on the barrel is the mark of the WaffenAmt (Weapons Office) inspector who inspected and accepted the barrel. The eagle/HZaJt3 is the mark of the Herrs Zeugamt (Army Weapons Depot) at Jngolstadt (Ingolstadt) depot 3, where the rebarrelling took place. --Dwight

10-19-2014, 11:36 AM	#12
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	I didn't try shooting yet have to buy some ammo. those electric etching marks probably ruin its collector value so I may just use it for a shooter. Thanks for all the help I really like this site.

10-19-2014, 01:06 PM	#14
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,369 Thanks: 7,433 Thanked 2,611 Times in 1,378 Posts	This one rides the line between high end shooter and low end collectible, and the distinction in this area is quite subjective. BTW, all mine are "collectible shooters"! All else being correct and in good condition can go a long way in making it desirable, but this single issue will definitely repel the hardcore experienced collector, except for its appeal as a place-holder in a collection. As Rich points out, some local markets--and many individuals--do not require as much of a Luger in order for it to sell. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

10-20-2014, 09:45 PM	#15
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	I really thankful for all the info. I guess I got a nice hand me down I'll clean it up get some target ammo and see how she shoots.

10-21-2014, 12:15 AM	#16
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	As an in-service repair, this rebarrelling counts as original. --Dwight

10-21-2014, 01:39 AM	#17
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,369 Thanks: 7,433 Thanked 2,611 Times in 1,378 Posts	This is the litany: Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions. Let us know how she does. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

11-03-2014, 09:00 PM	#18
campfooey User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 72 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	1918 DWM shoots fine I got some target ammo and took to the range it shoot and feed without a jam had a little more kick then I thought it would but was fun indeed thanks again for all the info it would of took me years to figure all that stuff out john

11-04-2014, 01:39 AM	#19
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,369 Thanks: 7,433 Thanked 2,611 Times in 1,378 Posts	John, Glad your first experience here was positive. Now that you've shot your pistol, you should be checked for Luger-itis, a disease which compels its host to get more Lugers, the Lay's Potato Chips of firearms! __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

11-04-2014, 02:43 AM	#20
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Quote: This is the litany: Clean and lube...Standard velocity ammo, no +p, +P+ or NATO. Winchester White Box Target is the Ford/Chevy of ammos....chamber one round, check gun after firing..two rounds, check....work up to full mag when comfortable with how it functions..." unquote I join David in his litany, and as usual in these cases I add: "all of these one century old Lugers should never be fired with modern high speed and high power ammunition because they may have become structurally unsound." Safe shooting. Sergio __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.