Comments on my first luger.

[Dwight Gruber]

Len,

Your Luger is an Imperial army Luger, manufactured in 1918. Many of these pistols were modified for commercial sale after WWI, by replacing the barrel with one 3 3/4" long, chambered in .30 Luger, as per the requirements ofthe Treaty of Versailles.

It would be useful to see any marks which appear on the barrel, to see if it has a post-war German proof--this would indicate that it was modified for German internal sales. Does the pistol say Germany or Made In Germany anywhere? This would mean that it was destined for sale outside of Germany, most likely the US.

From the photographs it appears that there are some areas of pitting on this gun, observe them very closely. If they have been blued over the gun is definitely reblued, if they have not it is very possible the gun retains its original finish. It is not possible to tell this from the photograph. If it is a reblue it is a very good one, as the pistol does not appear to have been buffed.

Look for the serial number or other markings on the trigger.

The marking on the breechblock ("left side of the toggle")is an Imperial power-proof, indicating that the weapon has passed the test of successfully firing two over-pressure proof rounds during its manufacture.

Rebarrelling to 9mm is certainly a possibility. If the barrel as it is has the markings I noted above, replacing it will reduce this Luger's authenticity by that much. There are members of this Forum who are qualified and experienced Lugersmiths who can help you with this process.

--Dwight