1920 Dwm 24 Hours To Make An Offer

Dwight Gruber · 07-19-2005, 10:33 PM

Mike,

Definitely a Weimar parts/rework.

The barrel mark is described by Costanzo as a Simson military surplus parts proof, seen on 1933 reworks of WWI military and commercial models. Is there a serial number on the bottom of the barrel, or just the barrel guage? Any other barrel marks?

It is not clear where the "upper trigger guard proof" is actually located; this is crucial to determine the origin of the gun--if it really is on the frame it indicates the frame itself is of Erfurt manufacture. There is no evidence on the frame that the holdopen was added after manufacture (a "white" pin end and an inspector's mark), reinforcing the thought that the frame does not originate with the receiver.

The receiver is a DWM First Issue Military, this is determined by the military inspection and proof marks being on the left side of the receiver. The serial number was added there later. First Issue DWM were numbered in the commercial--hidden--style. Take the gun down and see if there are numbers on the underside of the center toggle link, the left side of the breechblock, and the bottom surface of the receiver locking lug. The numbers, if present, will represent the original serial numbers of these parts. Are there numbers on the bottom edges othe sideplate and takedown lever?

Is there a number stamped on the rear toggle pin? If there is it will help determine when this pistol was reworked.

The absence of a sear safety is a strong indicator that this Luger was not in police service. Actually, the story of its capture might provide a clue as to its origins.

--Dwight

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

07-19-2005, 10:33 PM	#7
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Mike, Definitely a Weimar parts/rework. The barrel mark is described by Costanzo as a Simson military surplus parts proof, seen on 1933 reworks of WWI military and commercial models. Is there a serial number on the bottom of the barrel, or just the barrel guage? Any other barrel marks? It is not clear where the "upper trigger guard proof" is actually located; this is crucial to determine the origin of the gun--if it really is on the frame it indicates the frame itself is of Erfurt manufacture. There is no evidence on the frame that the holdopen was added after manufacture (a "white" pin end and an inspector's mark), reinforcing the thought that the frame does not originate with the receiver. The receiver is a DWM First Issue Military, this is determined by the military inspection and proof marks being on the left side of the receiver. The serial number was added there later. First Issue DWM were numbered in the commercial--hidden--style. Take the gun down and see if there are numbers on the underside of the center toggle link, the left side of the breechblock, and the bottom surface of the receiver locking lug. The numbers, if present, will represent the original serial numbers of these parts. Are there numbers on the bottom edges othe sideplate and takedown lever? Is there a number stamped on the rear toggle pin? If there is it will help determine when this pistol was reworked. The absence of a sear safety is a strong indicator that this Luger was not in police service. Actually, the story of its capture might provide a clue as to its origins. --Dwight