Frame Identification Help

plano_harry · 03-14-2026, 08:04 PM

I am trying to sort out my Luger. I now understand that I apparently have a fully matching upper from a 1921 Weimar era DWM. I could use help with the frame since it has no date and no acceptance proofs that I can identify. I have tried searching the forum for unproofed frames, but didn't find anything that seemed to fit. The only thing I have to go on is the frame serial number"2166" + script "s". Is this a '37-'38 Mauser frame? In addition to the full side views, here are pics of every mark that I could find on the frame. Thanks in advance for your help! This was a historically legit WW2 bring back, not a recent marriage.

velodog455~ · Yesterday, 08:55 AM

Considering that the frame appears to be strawed I think it could be a 1937 first variant frame, but that's not an absolute assessment.

I can only say that S/N 2166s falls within 1937 production. And... it does not have the hump on the frame which I think is correct for early 1937 production.

It might also be a frame from an earlier year with an s prefix. Why would it matter if the frame is 1937? I mean it is already a mismatched P.08 and thus not a collector-grade specimen, so one frame serial number is as good as another IMHO.
-Bob

plano_harry · Today, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velodog455~

Considering that the frame appears to be strawed I think it could be a 1937 first variant frame, but that's not an absolute assessment.

I can only say that S/N 2166s falls within 1937 production. And... it does not have the hump on the frame which I think is correct for early 1937 production.

It might also be a frame from an earlier year with an s prefix. Why would it matter if the frame is 1937? I mean it is already a mismatched P.08 and thus not a collector-grade specimen, so one frame serial number is as good as another IMHO.
-Bob

Thanks Bob! Trying to learn as much as I can about this gun. I know it is not "collector grade" but I am sure it has some history. I just don't know how much could be identified with what little I have to go on. Is it unusual to see a frame with no acceptance marks? The only acceptance proofs that I can recall seeing were on the receiver.

Edward Tinker · Yesterday, 03:40 PM

You could look up every 's' made for each year. And I think all the mausers, or most have a 'dimple' on the rear of the stock lug.

plano_harry · Today, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

You could look up every 's' made for each year. And I think all the mausers, or most have a 'dimple' on the rear of the stock lug.

Thanks Ed. Not seeing what I would call a dimple, but there is a horizontal groove in the middle of the lug.

Yesterday, 08:55 AM	#2
velodog455~ User Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 101 Thanks: 28 Thanked 90 Times in 52 Posts	Considering that the frame appears to be strawed I think it could be a 1937 first variant frame, but that's not an absolute assessment. I can only say that S/N 2166s falls within 1937 production. And... it does not have the hump on the frame which I think is correct for early 1937 production. It might also be a frame from an earlier year with an s prefix. Why would it matter if the frame is 1937? I mean it is already a mismatched P.08 and thus not a collector-grade specimen, so one frame serial number is as good as another IMHO. -Bob

Yesterday, 03:40 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,979 Thanks: 2,077 Thanked 4,613 Times in 2,126 Posts	You could look up every 's' made for each year. And I think all the mausers, or most have a 'dimple' on the rear of the stock lug.