Rookie Luger owner (1917 1920 DWM)

[cjones]

Gentlemen,
I have found the information in this forum and similar forums to be very helpful. Having limited knowledge on the luger, as compared to many of you, learning new things with each thread has been rewarding. From knowing nothing to gaining a grasp on the basics, I figured I would share my luger with this community. If anyone feels up to it or is so kind, feel free to add to my education with the photos provided.

About the luger:

Acquired it like many other folks, through a family member who served in WWII. (See the attached certificate with the matching
number for the gun). The numbers on the gun match upon inspection and cleaning by a gunsmith. Only one part, the firing pin, has been replaced. After 1945, the gun was put away and the firing pin removed. It was recently brought out for the first time and taken to the gunsmith, who is the only person to shoot it in 68 years. He offered to purchase it many times that week. I’ll never sell this one since it is a part of a family collection which includes numerous other pieces to be rightfully passed to the next generation. (Although a valuation for insurance may be helpful should it merit one) I’m more interested in the history and putting all the details together.

The family member took possession of the gun while serving in the 84th Infantry Division “Railsplitters.” Accounts put this weapon at either the Battle of the Bulge or the Rhineland Campaign. Unfortunately, that aspect of the story is lost forever and was never fully addressed (The removal of the firing pin and hiding the gun may indicate a reason for that).

Specifics:
Maker: DWM
“Double Stamp” : 1917 and 1920
Serial Number: 1625
Suffix: m

Markings/stamps/proofs location:
Barrel-Unidentified mark on the left side of the barrel; matching numbers (1625) and caliber (8.83) markings underneath; and another very small unidentified marking directly on top of the barrel (I may have to provide a better picture)

Inner writing on metal grip- crossed out S. Mi. 206.

German military infantry proof on right side of upper next to barrel

German military proof on “elbow joint”

Two non matching number clips (2466 with what looks like a cursive L and cross below numbers) (1132 with faded cross)

Holster, worn with no identifiable markings.

Feel free to take a stab at the puzzle pieces or just enjoy the pictures.