Whaddayathink?

HardBaller · 01-19-2007, 02:58 PM

Gents (and/or Ladies),

Was at a dealer today on the outskirts of Houston and noted, "1920 Commercial, 9mm", 4" barrel. Examined same, a DMW, with 1920 on frame top (yep, am FNG here, hence these pesky questions) and noted that "Germany" appears on side of frame, immediately below toggle lever. Number on front of frame matches with last two on underside of sideplate, toggle release lever and other locations. No markings on barrel, had "sling swivel" and stock attachment. Condition was about 90% but appeared to me to be an old reblue. Almost no straw on those parts that would be so. Toggle and action appeared to be very crisp. Wood bottom mag with no markings on base. Bore clean and shiny (possible refit?). Grips were slightly loose on left panel but checkering was relatively crisp, not sharp, but not worn either. NO proof marks on right side of frame or topend.

Dealer asking 1200.00.

Yeah or nay?

Any help, thoughts, suggestions VERY much appreciated.

Tim

Edward Tinker · 01-19-2007, 03:45 PM

Tim,

the 1920 would be either a year or gov't marking (most likely the latter). The "germany" is a sign of being sold commercially, most likely during the 1920's and early 1930's.

$1200 is not bad, but not wonderful. A "commericial" in 7.65mm (30 luger) usually goes for around $1k, max...

I think the price is a bit high...

Ed

HardBaller · 01-19-2007, 06:02 PM

Ed,

Dealer stated that "the 9mm is much, much scarcer than the .30". Is this statement correct? And if so, how much premium would that be worth?

Thanks again, anyone else?

Tim

Edward Tinker · 01-19-2007, 06:20 PM

Tim, find out the serial number and post here (can put xx for last two), but include the suffix.

My "gut" feeling is that either it started as a WW1 era military that has been scrubbed, but then the 1920 would have been scrubbed. It is also possible it is a 1920 time frame either being the date or gov't marking, as to be marked 1920 shows it belonged to the Armt / military, thus it should be numbered in the military style. So, never a true commericial variant...

So, it was a military gun that was shipped to the USA (possibly canada), being marked with Germany showing country of origin.

01-19-2007, 02:58 PM	#1
HardBaller User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Whaddayathink? Gents (and/or Ladies), Was at a dealer today on the outskirts of Houston and noted, "1920 Commercial, 9mm", 4" barrel. Examined same, a DMW, with 1920 on frame top (yep, am FNG here, hence these pesky questions) and noted that "Germany" appears on side of frame, immediately below toggle lever. Number on front of frame matches with last two on underside of sideplate, toggle release lever and other locations. No markings on barrel, had "sling swivel" and stock attachment. Condition was about 90% but appeared to me to be an old reblue. Almost no straw on those parts that would be so. Toggle and action appeared to be very crisp. Wood bottom mag with no markings on base. Bore clean and shiny (possible refit?). Grips were slightly loose on left panel but checkering was relatively crisp, not sharp, but not worn either. NO proof marks on right side of frame or topend. Dealer asking 1200.00. Yeah or nay? Any help, thoughts, suggestions VERY much appreciated. Tim __________________ Better to Die On Your Feet Than Live On Your Knees

01-19-2007, 06:02 PM	#3
HardBaller User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, Dealer stated that "the 9mm is much, much scarcer than the .30". Is this statement correct? And if so, how much premium would that be worth? Thanks again, anyone else? Tim __________________ Better to Die On Your Feet Than Live On Your Knees

01-19-2007, 03:45 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	Tim, the 1920 would be either a year or gov't marking (most likely the latter). The "germany" is a sign of being sold commercially, most likely during the 1920's and early 1930's. $1200 is not bad, but not wonderful. A "commericial" in 7.65mm (30 luger) usually goes for around $1k, max... I think the price is a bit high... Ed

01-19-2007, 06:20 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	Tim, find out the serial number and post here (can put xx for last two), but include the suffix. My "gut" feeling is that either it started as a WW1 era military that has been scrubbed, but then the 1920 would have been scrubbed. It is also possible it is a 1920 time frame either being the date or gov't marking, as to be marked 1920 shows it belonged to the Armt / military, thus it should be numbered in the military style. So, never a true commericial variant... So, it was a military gun that was shipped to the USA (possibly canada), being marked with Germany showing country of origin.