Alphabet Commercial Survey

[Dwight Gruber]

If I remember correctly, in 1923 the U.S. import laws changed from requiring imported objects be marked GERMANY to being marked MADE IN GERMANY. I have decided to expand the Commercial serial number database to include the Alphabet Commercial series looking for this feature particularly, to see if it provides a data point to help refine the production dates of these guns.

So, dust off your Alphabet Commercials please, and send me the following information:

serial number (full, with suffix)

GERMANY, MADE IN GERMANY, or NO export mark

caliber

serial numbers, hidden or exposed

commercial proof?

Also note any noteworthy features, i.e. if it has a barrel other than 3 3/4 in; if it is a Police gun; if so what the unit mark is (if present); if it has any kind of right-receiver acceptance mark; etc. Also, be sure to check your John Martz conversions, as he commonly utilizes Alphabet Commercials as donor guns.

As usual, please post the information here or send it to me at dwightg@pacifier.com. I know there are a lot of these guns out there, I very much appreciate all of you taking the time to check out your Lugers and pass the information on.

--Dwight