Low Serial Number?

Doubs · 09-11-2002, 10:40 PM

I have read/heard both ways..... 1 to 9999 and 1 to 10000 before the series begins once more with the next letter suffix. The only thing I'm positive of is that it begins with 1. I just received my copy of "The P08 Luger Pistol" by de Vries & Martens. On page 21 is a picture of 1911 Erfurt, serial number 1. The pistol is part of the collection of the British MoD Pattern Room. (I posted this before seeing Toggletop's pic. Guess that shows the top end.)

For Mr. Kovacs, I'd like to explain that there is more than one style of serial number on Lugers. The military pistols, such as yours, have a date and a manufacturer as well as the full serial number on the frame. ALL of that data is necessary to establish the identity of a specific pistol.

There are, however, commercial serial numbers, contract serial numbers and even mixtures of military style and commercial style numbers. Throw in year models and other variables and it can get confusing. Identity of a specific Luger can require maker's name, date (if present), serial number on the front of the frame with suffix letter (if present), year model (1906, for example), chamber marking if present (American Eagle), barrel length and caliber.

This is NOT to discourage you but to urge you to get your hands on some books and read as much as possible. And ask questions. There are people here who will help you as much as they can within reason.

To answer your question about the E. Germans giving your pistol a new serial number, pictures of the pistol that show the various number clearly would be a big help. It's not possible to give a good answer without seeing the pistol.

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09-11-2002, 10:40 PM	#9
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,742 Thanks: 826 Thanked 1,788 Times in 590 Posts	I have read/heard both ways..... 1 to 9999 and 1 to 10000 before the series begins once more with the next letter suffix. The only thing I'm positive of is that it begins with 1. I just received my copy of "The P08 Luger Pistol" by de Vries & Martens. On page 21 is a picture of 1911 Erfurt, serial number 1. The pistol is part of the collection of the British MoD Pattern Room. (I posted this before seeing Toggletop's pic. Guess that shows the top end.) For Mr. Kovacs, I'd like to explain that there is more than one style of serial number on Lugers. The military pistols, such as yours, have a date and a manufacturer as well as the full serial number on the frame. ALL of that data is necessary to establish the identity of a specific pistol. There are, however, commercial serial numbers, contract serial numbers and even mixtures of military style and commercial style numbers. Throw in year models and other variables and it can get confusing. Identity of a specific Luger can require maker's name, date (if present), serial number on the front of the frame with suffix letter (if present), year model (1906, for example), chamber marking if present (American Eagle), barrel length and caliber. This is NOT to discourage you but to urge you to get your hands on some books and read as much as possible. And ask questions. There are people here who will help you as much as they can within reason. To answer your question about the E. Germans giving your pistol a new serial number, pictures of the pistol that show the various number clearly would be a big help. It's not possible to give a good answer without seeing the pistol.