Call for data concerning 1920 and 1921 Dated Lugers

[Dwight Gruber]

Very good. And I would like to point point something about the e/WaA4 stamps. Costanzo, in his Proof marks book, deliberately misrepresents these stamps by expressly calling them doves, and drawing them to look like doves with their beaks pointing "up." Part of the problem with the stamps as they exist is that the dies were very poorly made, and crucial detail was worn away quickly in use. It is possible to see, in your examples, that there is a very tiny, pointy beak extending to the left (the eagle's right, as the bird's body faces the viewer). It is this detail which has worn away quickly to disguise the stamp, and make it possible to casually accept Costanzo's deception.

--Dwight

[Piranha451]

1. Chamber Date: 1920
2. Serial Number: 1473
3. Serial Letter: b
4. “1920” Stamp (Y/N): Y
5. The inspection/Proof stamps on the barrel extension and the barrel and toggle (5 entries): 3 proof marks on the barrel extension, one on the barrel and one on the toggle (see pictures)
6. Any Inscriptions: No inscriptions
7. Presence/Absence/Removal of Sear Safety & Mag Safety: No sear or mag safety