Military or commercial?

[Aaron]

This is a 1918 DWM 9mm Luger, stamped "Germany" just above the right grip. It also lacks two of the usual acceptance marks. We recognize this as a pistol which was intended for the military, but was diverted for export for commercial purposes during the financial turmoil following WWI. What is the meaning of only two acceptance marks? Since it seems to have never been put into service and may not have been delivered to the military, would it be correct to classify this as a commercial variation?

[Don M]

Aaron, I have observed quite a few 1918 DWMs without a full set of military acceptance and proof marks. Many of these were used by the police in the Weimar era. I theorize these were unfinished, at least as far as acceptance by the military, at the end of the war. In addition to being issued to the police, yours suggests some were marked for export --- probably before the IMKK forbade the export of 9-mm Lugers.

I would call it a military because it was manufactured to military specifications and was originally intended for the military.

[Aaron]

Many thanks for your coimments, Don. I did neglect to mention that it came with a a blank commercial magazine.