Death's Head Mark

R.David · 03-16-2008, 01:03 AM

I hope I'm not posting this in the wrong place as I do not use the forum often enough: I recently had the opportunity to look at a 1917 dated DWM in 80-90% condition that had the tiny "Death's Head" marking above the date and facing towards the left side. It appears to me that the Death's Head is original or nearly so to the gun. All visible parts numbers match and the serial number is 4xx, no alpha. My Datig book says that the meaning of this mark is unclear, with three possibilities, Death's Head Hussars of WWI, SS issue in the 30's, or Free Corps in the 20s. My questions are (1) has the meaning ever been cleared up as to what the mark represents and (2) anyone have any idea of the value of this pistol (or perhaps I should say whether the Death's Head adds extra value)?
Thanks, Dick

Lugerdoc · 03-17-2008, 07:48 AM

Dick, It is believed that the "death head" was a unit symbol of some WW1 or Weimar Free Corp units and was added to the luger post production. I would be very careful about paying a premium for PO8s so marked, as I know of at least 2 persons out there with perfect DH dies. TH

03-16-2008, 01:03 AM	#1
R.David User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Death's Head Mark I hope I'm not posting this in the wrong place as I do not use the forum often enough: I recently had the opportunity to look at a 1917 dated DWM in 80-90% condition that had the tiny "Death's Head" marking above the date and facing towards the left side. It appears to me that the Death's Head is original or nearly so to the gun. All visible parts numbers match and the serial number is 4xx, no alpha. My Datig book says that the meaning of this mark is unclear, with three possibilities, Death's Head Hussars of WWI, SS issue in the 30's, or Free Corps in the 20s. My questions are (1) has the meaning ever been cleared up as to what the mark represents and (2) anyone have any idea of the value of this pistol (or perhaps I should say whether the Death's Head adds extra value)? Thanks, Dick

03-17-2008, 07:48 AM	#2
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Dick, It is believed that the "death head" was a unit symbol of some WW1 or Weimar Free Corp units and was added to the luger post production. I would be very careful about paying a premium for PO8s so marked, as I know of at least 2 persons out there with perfect DH dies. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net