Please provide input on this inherited Luger

lowes · 09-25-2009, 07:05 PM

Years back, my grandfather traded a Browning hunting rifle for a Luger and an Enfield No 2 MK I revolver. The Enfield is very nice, but I am not too sure what to make of this Luger.

I think I matched up the proof mark – an “N” with a crown atop of it, which according to your site tells me that it is a “German commercial proof. Found on some commercial Lugers of the 1906-1914 era. A few Lugers manufactured by Krieghoff have a similar, but small proof”

The manufacturers logo tells me that it is a DWM, but I do not see any other markings except the DWM symbol.

The letter suffix is a cursive lowercase “m”

Other markings that I can find is the number 27 on the trigger plate, on the locking bolt, and on the rear of the pistol (on the rear of the breachlock group I believe it is). The number 4427 is found on the bottom of the barrel and just below the barrel on the frame.

There are also some stamped numbers that can be found once the pistol is field stripped, which I can provide if it would be helpful.

You can tell that this pistol has been a carry weapon from the ware on the finish.

I would greatly appreciate any views on this pistol, as I am very curious about it. After looking over this site, I do believe that I have come to the right place.

Edward Tinker · 09-25-2009, 07:21 PM

It is a crown N commercial as you stated, although most likely made in the 1920's.

What is the caliber? See if a pencil goes into the barrel? yes its a 9mm, tight or no, its a 7.65mm

The last 2 of the serial number would be on many small parts (although a commericial won't have as many numbered parts as say a military model would)

Ed

lowes · 09-25-2009, 07:24 PM

its a 9mm. Is this somthing that can be shot, or should i put it away?

DavidJayUden · 09-25-2009, 09:57 PM

Depends on your level of risk tolerance. Break a # part and the value drops. But they were meant to be shot.
I have some that I shoot and some that I don't.
Your choice.
DJU

MFC · 09-26-2009, 12:04 AM

Scott,
According to Still's Weimar Lugers, your Luger, classified as a DWM Alphabet commercial, #4427m, was made late 1923 or early 1924. Are you sure it is a 9mm? Most are 7.65mm/30 Luger.

lowes · 09-26-2009, 12:34 AM

I do believe it is a 9mm - i can fit a pencil into the barrel (if that is the measuring stick). O can use a caliper to make sure – my grandfather said it was a 9mm, but who knows. I have never shot this side arm, and have no ammo for it - in fact, this pistol sat in my grandfathers vault for years and years wrapped in a rag.

I really am not going to fire it - I am a ACP guy myself. I guess I am just wondering what this side arm is all about. I gather it was made in Germany (well, it is stamped in English on the frame), and was intended to be sold commercially in the states. I just totally broke it down tonight, and it looks to be in very good working condition.

I think I will follow the advice on this site on cleaning the side arm (the grips, etc), and just take the upmost care with it. I have a lot of respect for this pistol, and really want to make sure I take care of it the right way.

I appreciate all of the input you all have provided, and please keep it coming. You all are just a wealth of knowledge - its so awesome for someone like me who only has owned “new” firearms.

Thanks again!

09-25-2009, 07:05 PM	#1
lowes New User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Please provide input on this inherited Luger Years back, my grandfather traded a Browning hunting rifle for a Luger and an Enfield No 2 MK I revolver. The Enfield is very nice, but I am not too sure what to make of this Luger. I think I matched up the proof mark – an “N” with a crown atop of it, which according to your site tells me that it is a “German commercial proof. Found on some commercial Lugers of the 1906-1914 era. A few Lugers manufactured by Krieghoff have a similar, but small proof” The manufacturers logo tells me that it is a DWM, but I do not see any other markings except the DWM symbol. The letter suffix is a cursive lowercase “m” Other markings that I can find is the number 27 on the trigger plate, on the locking bolt, and on the rear of the pistol (on the rear of the breachlock group I believe it is). The number 4427 is found on the bottom of the barrel and just below the barrel on the frame. There are also some stamped numbers that can be found once the pistol is field stripped, which I can provide if it would be helpful. You can tell that this pistol has been a carry weapon from the ware on the finish. I would greatly appreciate any views on this pistol, as I am very curious about it. After looking over this site, I do believe that I have come to the right place. Attached Images

09-25-2009, 07:21 PM	#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	It is a crown N commercial as you stated, although most likely made in the 1920's. What is the caliber? See if a pencil goes into the barrel? yes its a 9mm, tight or no, its a 7.65mm The last 2 of the serial number would be on many small parts (although a commericial won't have as many numbered parts as say a military model would) 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

09-26-2009, 12:04 AM	#5
MFC User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 183 Thanked 281 Times in 162 Posts	Scott, According to Still's Weimar Lugers, your Luger, classified as a DWM Alphabet commercial, #4427m, was made late 1923 or early 1924. Are you sure it is a 9mm? Most are 7.65mm/30 Luger. __________________ Mike C.

09-25-2009, 07:24 PM	#3
lowes New User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	its a 9mm. Is this somthing that can be shot, or should i put it away?

09-25-2009, 09:57 PM	#4
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Depends on your level of risk tolerance. Break a # part and the value drops. But they were meant to be shot. I have some that I shoot and some that I don't. Your choice. DJU

09-26-2009, 12:34 AM	#6
lowes New User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I do believe it is a 9mm - i can fit a pencil into the barrel (if that is the measuring stick). O can use a caliper to make sure – my grandfather said it was a 9mm, but who knows. I have never shot this side arm, and have no ammo for it - in fact, this pistol sat in my grandfathers vault for years and years wrapped in a rag. I really am not going to fire it - I am a ACP guy myself. I guess I am just wondering what this side arm is all about. I gather it was made in Germany (well, it is stamped in English on the frame), and was intended to be sold commercially in the states. I just totally broke it down tonight, and it looks to be in very good working condition. I think I will follow the advice on this site on cleaning the side arm (the grips, etc), and just take the upmost care with it. I have a lot of respect for this pistol, and really want to make sure I take care of it the right way. I appreciate all of the input you all have provided, and please keep it coming. You all are just a wealth of knowledge - its so awesome for someone like me who only has owned “new” firearms. Thanks again!