Frame Identification Help

[plano_harry]

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~]

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

[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.

[plano_harry]

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.

[plano_harry]

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.

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by velodog455~

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.

Although the left side view does show something that might be taken for one at a glance, I'm not seeing a hump in any other pic that shows the area. Tricky. I think the "hump" is an artifact of the tail of the rear toggle link peeking out, plus some shadows.

...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

My sentiments are the same!

Considering that the frame appears to be strawed...

You mean the "small parts," right?

[velodog455~]

Yes, the small parts, not the entire frame. I should have been more clear.

[plano_harry]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Although the left side view does show something that might be taken for one at a glance, I'm not seeing a hump in any other pic that shows the area. Tricky. I think the "hump" is an artifact of the tail of the rear toggle link peeking out, plus some shadows.



My sentiments are the same!



You mean the "small parts," right?

Thanks! No Mauser hump on the back. Does that narrow it down?

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by plano_harry

Thanks! No Mauser hump on the back. Does that narrow it down?

It narrows it down to DWM frame.

[plano_harry]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

It narrows it down to DWM frame.

Is this font consistent with a 1917 DWM frame serial? "2166 + script s"

[ithacaartist]

No. The font style is more consistent with the font found on Mausers. I don't recall having seen discussion of this particular situation, but my best guess is that the frame might have been among the DWM parts that were shipped from Berlin when the operation moved to Oberndorf am Neckar and were thereafter completed as finished pistols beginning in 1934, I suppose until the supply was used up. Frames were serialized at the time they were built into guns, IIRC, which probably means that some DWM frames were completed by Mauser and stamped with the simpler, cleaner font Mauser used. I hope someone with better knowledge of these specifics will join the thread and perhaps give better info.

Kudos for your inquisitive attitude. I encourage you to hang in there, read lots on the forums, tackle the FAQ, and collect some reference books. There's a ton to absorb as an embryonic Luger nerd, so be patient, and keep up the questions. And soon enough...you will buy another Luger!

[Doubs]

Not all Mauser frames have the "hump". According to Gortz & Sturgess on page 1119 of the red books, Mauser frames from 1935 - mid-1937 did not have the hump. The suffix letter s was used in early 1937 production so it's possible that your frame was made by Mauser in 1937.