What are these proof marks?

Dwight Gruber · 07-03-2003, 11:55 PM

This piece has some story to tell.

The mark on the left is an eagle-swastika over HZa.JL.16 . It is a sufficiently interesting mark that I will quote Costanzo:

"HZa.JL.16 1928 military Heereszeugamter = Army quartermaster early supply proof. Used on models issued to security guards of military installations. 'J' represents building J. 'L' represents Lager (depot) 16. Note: this proof is used in 1928 only. Location noted: can be found on any major parts." (Costanzo, "World of Lugers--Proof Marks" p.94)

Costanzo shows stamps with straight-style eagles over HZa.JL.16 on other pages, and refers to them generically as Heereszeugamter reworks.

The crown/figure is probably either a Simson or Mauser rework mark. I'm not good with eagles, but the eagle on the right looks to me like some manner of Simson eagle, so overall the gun (with the exception of the mismatched toggle) is likely a Simson rework, in some fashion.

Can you provide photographs of other markings--all the other markings--on the gun? Barrel markings will be particularly useful.

--Dwight

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07-03-2003, 11:55 PM	#3
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	This piece has some story to tell. The mark on the left is an eagle-swastika over HZa.JL.16 . It is a sufficiently interesting mark that I will quote Costanzo: "HZa.JL.16 1928 military Heereszeugamter = Army quartermaster early supply proof. Used on models issued to security guards of military installations. 'J' represents building J. 'L' represents Lager (depot) 16. Note: this proof is used in 1928 only. Location noted: can be found on any major parts." (Costanzo, "World of Lugers--Proof Marks" p.94) Costanzo shows stamps with straight-style eagles over HZa.JL.16 on other pages, and refers to them generically as Heereszeugamter reworks. The crown/figure is probably either a Simson or Mauser rework mark. I'm not good with eagles, but the eagle on the right looks to me like some manner of Simson eagle, so overall the gun (with the exception of the mismatched toggle) is likely a Simson rework, in some fashion. Can you provide photographs of other markings--all the other markings--on the gun? Barrel markings will be particularly useful. --Dwight