New guy with some question about his Luger

[nesmith47]

New guy here. I have a Luger that I can't identify. I downloaded the form filled it out as best as I could and cut n pasted it below. Also attached two pics. Anybody help me with this? Tell me about it? What's it worth? Etc.


1. Toggle Inscription = DWM

2. Chamber Inscription = None

3. Toggle Knob Type = “Squared and Knurled”

4. Grip Safety = “Not Present”

5. Stock Lug = “Present” (I think)

6. Caliber = “7.65mm /.30 Luger”

7. Grip Type = Walnut, I think, Checkered, Without a Border and Without Insignia.

8. Thumb Safety = “Safe” rear position, It appears to say "gesichert"
My vision isn't what it used to be.


9. Describe any and all marking as completely as possible, including their locations on the firearm. Use Numbered Markings from Parabellum website if possible.

m under the 4 digit serial number, has a crown over an N above the serial number on the barrel and on the left side, no numbers or letters on the clip and nothing on top of the chamber. The toggle link has DWM on top and the breechblock has the crown over N.


10. Barrel Length (Measure from Forward End of Extractor to Muzzle)

It appears to be about three and half to three and three quarters inches.

11. Markings on Left Edge of Extractor

The breechblock has the crown over N. Is this also the Extractor?

12. Description of Front and Rear Sights

13. Magazine Bottom Plug Material and Markings

The bottom plug is wood and there's no markings I can find.


Determining values of firearms is always difficult, even when examining a firearm in person. Different variations bring different prices based on their rarity. The condition of the firearm is extremely important, and unfortunately, very subjective. Many good books are available on firearm values, such as “The Blue Book”. They are updated annually, and are also helpful in identification of the various model variations. As with any firearm, the true value is what you, personally, can get a buyer to agree to pay. The following criteria will help in determining current market value of a particular specimen:

1. Model Variation (Determined Above)
2. Percentage of remaining bluing (i.e. 80%, 95%, etc.)
3. Percentage of remaining straw colored finish on parts such as trigger, disassembly latch, etc.)
4. Condition of Bore.
5. Condition of Grips.
6. All matching serial numbers. Most small parts will carry last two digits of serial number.
7. Correct matching magazine(s) with matching serial numbers.
8. Any accessories such as holster, stock, loading/takedown tool, capture papers, etc.
Using these criteria, describe the condition of your Luger as objectively as possible:

Don't know the model. Don't know how to determine the bluing, but it and the straw color seem to be real good. The bore looks very good to me, but I don't know much about this. Grips look good. All serial numbers match. Magazine has no markings.

The old man's unit came across a case of Lugers still packed in cosmoline and this is one of them. There was nothing else with them, just the Lugers.

Thanks, Norm

[DavidJayUden]

These aren't really my thing, but it appears to be a run-of-the-mill .30 cal. Luger mfg. for the commercial, not military, market. The full serial number and also the little script letter beneath the number will help other members to pinpoint the date of mfg. The crown N marks reflect the gun's commercial origins.
These are very common Lugers however yours would appear to be better than the average bear. Ballpark prices on these guns seems to be between $500 and $750 in today's market.
Welcome aboard!
dju

[nesmith47]

Serial number is: 7196 with a script m under it.

[Aaron]

Is there a marking anywhere on the pistol that says "Germany"?

[nesmith47]

No writing of any kind. Note, the crate these were in was in the possession of the German Quartermaster just before the area was captured.

[Ron Smith]

Norm,

Welcome to the forum.

I would estimate the value at closer to $1000-$1200, considering the condition. Since there is no "GERMANY" export mark, it a adds credence to your Father's story and , IMO ups the value. If your father is still with us, and capable. Have him write every detail he can remember about the back ground, circumstances, the unit he was with, etc. down, and keep it with the Luger.

Ron

[Norme]

Just what this forum needs, another Norm! Welcome aboard, Norm

[FNorm]

The M block of what we refer to as the "Alphabet Series" was made late 1923 to mid 1924. Your's would have been prolly late spring of 1924

Norms are the best!

FN

[mrerick]

Interesting... My Alphabet commercial is within 150 serial numbers of this one. My Luger is export marked on the LEFT side of the receiver.

Marc

[spartacus38]

It is not a commercial with the number on the sideplate in that position--maybe a

replaced sideplate .

Bob

[nesmith47]

It was brand new when captured and never been worked on. All parts match.

[spartacus38]

Interesting.Commercials have the serial # on the bottom underneath of the sideplate.

Bob

[DavidJayUden]

Good point Bob. Let the wild speculation begin...
dju

[nesmith47]

before the wild speculation begins, I have another question. Would a commercial Luger have a stock lug?

[DavidJayUden]

Yes they do, typically during the same period that the military guns did. Maybe for attachment of a stock, and just as likely as a way to hold them during fitting/assembly.
dju