Finishes on Lugers

M R Dutton · 03-01-2008, 11:34 AM

My father is 87 years old and his memory doesn't always work as well as it used to............

He has a small collection of knives and handguns from the WWII era. Included in that collection is a Luger.

The finish on the Luger is either chrome or nickle, I am not sure which.

Someone has told me that no Luger was ever manufactured with a polished finish. I was further told that the guns were plated after the fact by some to make them look fancier. This plating detracts from the collectibility of the weapon, I was told.

Is this the case or is someone pulling my leg. I do have some photos of the Luger (it appears to be a DWM) and can post them if anyone requests.

Thanks.

Edward Tinker · 03-01-2008, 11:46 AM

Michael, welcome to the forum. there were no factory, military finish chrome or nickle lugers.

It was the "in" thing to have this done.

ed

M R Dutton · 03-01-2008, 12:05 PM

Well that helps verify what I was told. I've read that the Luger was always manufactured to very close tolerances and excacting specifications. Bearing that in mind........

Does that affect the workability of the Luger?

Might there be any reason to maintain this gun as a collectible? All other things being equal, after inspection by a qualified gunsmith, could it be fired? What ammo could be used?

Thanks!!

wlyon · 03-01-2008, 02:25 PM

Welcome to the forum. The plating should not affect the performance of the luger. Might be a good idea to have it looked over by a good gunsmith just in case.Personally I wouldn't hesitate to fire it now.
The luger is not collectible and should make a good shooter. Walmart sells good inexpensive 9mm ammo.
Can't tell much from the picture but do all the numbers match? Barrel, frame and receiver should have full serial numbers rest of the parts the last 2 digits. Also what is on the top of the front toggle and receiver. Bill

M R Dutton · 03-01-2008, 05:35 PM

The top of the toggle is marked with a monogram for DWM, the manufacturer. I have not yet found a serial number on the gun. The only numbers I see consistently on several parts is 21. There are three symbols embedded on the barrel, but I can't make them out.

If I remove the grips will there be a serial number on the frame?

The gun is not immediately accessible for me to look at it closely. My father has it in a display case, and he lives over 5 hours away. Next time I am there I'll get more information.

wlyon · 03-01-2008, 06:40 PM

There will be no serial number on the frame under the grips. The grips themselves may be numbered. The serial numbers may well have been buffed out when plated. Bill

03-01-2008, 11:34 AM	#1
M R Dutton New User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Finishes on Lugers My father is 87 years old and his memory doesn't always work as well as it used to............ He has a small collection of knives and handguns from the WWII era. Included in that collection is a Luger. The finish on the Luger is either chrome or nickle, I am not sure which. Someone has told me that no Luger was ever manufactured with a polished finish. I was further told that the guns were plated after the fact by some to make them look fancier. This plating detracts from the collectibility of the weapon, I was told. Is this the case or is someone pulling my leg. I do have some photos of the Luger (it appears to be a DWM) and can post them if anyone requests. Thanks.

03-01-2008, 11:46 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Michael, welcome to the forum. there were no factory, military finish chrome or nickle lugers. It was the "in" thing to have this done. ed __________________ 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

03-01-2008, 12:05 PM	#3
M R Dutton New User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well that helps verify what I was told. I've read that the Luger was always manufactured to very close tolerances and excacting specifications. Bearing that in mind........ Does that affect the workability of the Luger? Might there be any reason to maintain this gun as a collectible? All other things being equal, after inspection by a qualified gunsmith, could it be fired? What ammo could be used? Thanks!! Attached Thumbnails

03-01-2008, 02:25 PM	#4
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,655 Thanks: 3,212 Thanked 2,619 Times in 971 Posts	Welcome to the forum. The plating should not affect the performance of the luger. Might be a good idea to have it looked over by a good gunsmith just in case.Personally I wouldn't hesitate to fire it now. The luger is not collectible and should make a good shooter. Walmart sells good inexpensive 9mm ammo. Can't tell much from the picture but do all the numbers match? Barrel, frame and receiver should have full serial numbers rest of the parts the last 2 digits. Also what is on the top of the front toggle and receiver. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

03-01-2008, 06:40 PM	#6
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,655 Thanks: 3,212 Thanked 2,619 Times in 971 Posts	There will be no serial number on the frame under the grips. The grips themselves may be numbered. The serial numbers may well have been buffed out when plated. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

03-01-2008, 05:35 PM	#5
M R Dutton New User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The top of the toggle is marked with a monogram for DWM, the manufacturer. I have not yet found a serial number on the gun. The only numbers I see consistently on several parts is 21. There are three symbols embedded on the barrel, but I can't make them out. If I remove the grips will there be a serial number on the frame? The gun is not immediately accessible for me to look at it closely. My father has it in a display case, and he lives over 5 hours away. Next time I am there I'll get more information.