DWM 1918 1922 Luger, Please help

[jjbarber100]

Hello, I am a new to the forum and wanted to ask about a recent hand me down from my grandfather. I wanted to know if anyone had an idea what my new Luger may be worth.

DWM 1918 re stamped 1922
Serial number 3744, every part matches
Magazine stamped and matches 3744 (Metal not wood)
All parts stamped 74 and match
Condition is 70%, some pitting
Has markings on the side (Not sure what they mean) see photo
It does need some work/cleaning

[Ron Smith]

Welcome to the forum.

The markings are acceptance and inspector's proofs commonly found on Imperial (WWI) Lugers.

Your Luger was made in 1918. After the war a mandate was passed that all military equipment be stamped with a Gov't Property mark to prevent theft. The mark was the year of the mandate, "1920". Some armorer's mis-translated the order and marked them instead with the year that they applied the mark. Many and most are correctly marked "1920", but some are found marked "1921". I recall hearing of examples being marked "1922", but it isn't common.

Many more detailed photos would be required, top, full views of both sides, front and rear grip straps, etc. before anyone can offer a value. Unfortunately the rust pitting is going to effect the value greatly.

Ron