1916 Luger with "MADE IN GERMANY" STAMPINGS

[johnnyk]

A friend of mine is selling a substantial quantity of firearms for an acquaintance of his who's father passed away and left the collection to him. He gets the guns in about 10 gun lots every three weeks or so, so he's not overwhealmed with posting them on the internet.
In the last batch was a 1916 dated Luger in what I'd call "Good condition". I am quite unfamiliar with Lugers and for the life of me after scanning many of the sites in this forum can't seem to locate the manufacturer stampings on this gun. I've also reviewed the page regarding acceptance stamps and none of them seem to be exactally what I see on this firearm.
I have this gun for the time being, as it is in need of a new magazine catch spring. He gave me a great deal on a WWII Mauser P38 out of the same batch, so I'm taking care of it for him.
So - to my question: Just above the take down lever on the breechblock in just short of 1/8" tall upper case lettering is the stamping "MADE IN GERMANY". Does this mean the gun was destined from the start for export? By the way, all the parts match in serial number except for the trigger plate.
Would this detract from the value of the gun?

Thanks much! John

[DavidJayUden]

It was meant, or re-directed for export to the USA. And yes, that mismatched plate will deract considerably from the value. It almost sounds like a military gun that was commercially imported later. Are there other import marks, caliber markings, etc?
Pictures, pictures, pictures, please.
dju

[Edward Tinker]

I would not be surprised to see that this is now 30 luger (7.65mm luger)

It would be a military that was 'exported' to the USA, thus requiring the export 'Germany' stamping.

[lugerholsterrepair]

I would not be surprised to see that this is now 30 luger (7.65mm luger)

Does the barrel serial # match the frame? 1916 means it started out as a 9MM Military. Like Ed says the barrel could be changed for export?

The mis matched trigger plate kicks it in the head $$ anyway.

[johnnyk]

Yes, the barrel ser. no. matches the frame. It is a 9mm... (at least that's what my friend and I shot through it the other day . All parts match except for the trigger plate.
I will post pics momentarily. Thanks guys!

[lugerholsterrepair]

can't seem to locate the manufacturer stampings on this gun. On the center toggle top there will likely be a script DWM looks like initials or the German State arsenal..ERFURT.

[johnnyk]

Whew! That was rough...(read: "Almost totally computer illiterate") but I was able to post photos under "Quick Links / pictures annd albums". Let me know what you think!

[johnnyk]

By the way, on the second post down under "Albums and pictures" (I posted most of the photos twice - what can I say...my "first time") there's a close up of the "MADE IN GERMANY" stamp. Sorry 'bout that.

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, Your pistol WAS an Erfurt. The toggle has been scrubbed of the State Arsenal marking. Your trigger plate is an Erfurt..mismatched as we know.

IF the pistol functions properly it has been cast down into the shooter catagory and would be worth $400-600 IMO. The MM sideplate is of little consequence given the condition of the pistol otherwise.

Nice looking magazine though..what is on the bottom of it?

[johnnyk]

"Scrubbed"? Why would this be? Again..... a major "Luger newbie".
The magazine has absolutely no markings on it whatsoever.

[lugerholsterrepair]

John..Who knows what's in the minds of men or bubba...Hard to say why this might have been done but there is ample evidence from your photo's that this toggle has been worked and buffed. Gone and best forgotten...The made in Germany is of no consequence. On a pure collector pistol it would not be desirable..on this one it's just another indication of it's checkered history.

[rhuff]

johnnyk,

Glad that you decided to come over to the Luger Forum to get good, honest, and correct information concerning your friends Luger. The "other" forum is a very good one, but concerning the Luger pistol, I don't believe that you can do better than this forum.

[johnnyk]

In actuality.... this is good news (for me). The value of the gun means my friend might be more likely to keep it himself as a shooter - so I'll be able to have my turn every now and then!

Thanks for the input everyone!

John

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, Have your friend buy an aftermarket MecGar magazine for shooting. The one you show IS a collector piece and will only deteriorate and perhaps break if used.

[johnnyk]

MecGar.... check! Would this magazine be among "the earliest" of Luger magazines? What would one "call it"?

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, Hard to tell it's date with no markings. It falls into a time frame of say 1906 to 1918 or thereabouts give or take...It's simply a wood bottom Luger magazine.

There IS one marker that COULD identify your magazine further. To the left of the checkered follower button, the button you push down on to load the mag..is the indent there a half moon or a rectangle? I blew up you photo some and it appears to be a rectangle?

[johnnyk]

You are good Jerry - it is a rectangle.

[johnnyk]

Possibly one more thing you coulld help me with Jerry - at 25 yards this gun shoots about 10" high. Do you know of a source for taller front sights? And... are there different numbered heights or is it guesswork.

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, That would make it an Erfurt magazine..

[DavidJayUden]

"Slightly" faster ammo may print a bit lower. But no +P or +p+. Try 115 gr. white box Winchester fmj. And grip the gun tightly.
dju