Is this proof a rework proof? (pics)

Justa_TXguy · 02-21-2007, 09:51 AM

Finnish marked DWM Luger.

It is serial number 44xx (you can see the entire serial in the pic).

It does not have an alphabet letter. Instead, it has a proof where the alphabet letter would go.

It is kind of hard to make out the proof and I took about 10 pictures trying to get it. The best two pics are below:

Looking through a proof book it appears it may be a factory rework code, but the proof guide shows letters (such as RC or U with the two dots over it) with the proof - mine doesn't have that.

My other Finnish lugers are all alphebet ones - why isn't this one? I think it is still commercial production because it has the crown/Nitro proof on the left which should denote commercial.

Don M · 02-21-2007, 01:34 PM

Michael,

Good to see another Houstonian on the forum.

There have been several markings like this posted recently. These are believed to have a crown stamped over the original suffix. In most cases, the suffix is indistinguishable. In your case, however, it is almost certainly a "t." So this is an Alphabet DWM, as well. Does it have any proofs on the right receiver?

I have seen a speculation that the crown overstamp was used to "commercialize" an otherwise military Luger but yours was a commercial to begin with. So much for that theory!

Justa_TXguy · 02-21-2007, 02:06 PM

Glad to meet you as well - I'm in Clear Lake.

I looked T up on the markings chart and now that you say it, it does look convincingly like T with a crown overstamped.

Right reciever does not have any markings. Luger is otherwise unremarkable.

I appreciate your insight!

Lyn Islaub · 02-21-2007, 11:29 PM

Michael/Don,
There's an Alphabet Commercial, that's been for sale for some time now, here in Mesa with that Crown overstamp on it. The fellow selling thinks he has the Holy Grail on his hands and has priced it accordingly, so it's still available. I had asked a few collectors about this proof after I had seen it the first time, but couldn't find anyone with an answer. It is definately a commercially marked pistol and I'll record the serial number the next time I see it.
Lyn

Lugerdoc · 02-22-2007, 09:36 AM

Mike, I seen several like this over the last 40 years. The crown over stamp appears to me to be the same type crown as used by the Swedes, on their Lahti pistols. So my best WAG, is that these may have made their way into the Swedish military at sometime or other. TH

02-21-2007, 09:51 AM	#1
Justa_TXguy User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is this proof a rework proof? (pics) Finnish marked DWM Luger. It is serial number 44xx (you can see the entire serial in the pic). It does not have an alphabet letter. Instead, it has a proof where the alphabet letter would go. It is kind of hard to make out the proof and I took about 10 pictures trying to get it. The best two pics are below: Looking through a proof book it appears it may be a factory rework code, but the proof guide shows letters (such as RC or U with the two dots over it) with the proof - mine doesn't have that. My other Finnish lugers are all alphebet ones - why isn't this one? I think it is still commercial production because it has the crown/Nitro proof on the left which should denote commercial.

02-21-2007, 01:34 PM	#2
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	Michael, Good to see another Houstonian on the forum. There have been several markings like this posted recently. These are believed to have a crown stamped over the original suffix. In most cases, the suffix is indistinguishable. In your case, however, it is almost certainly a "t." So this is an Alphabet DWM, as well. Does it have any proofs on the right receiver? I have seen a speculation that the crown overstamp was used to "commercialize" an otherwise military Luger but yours was a commercial to begin with. So much for that theory! __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

02-22-2007, 09:36 AM	#5
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Mike, I seen several like this over the last 40 years. The crown over stamp appears to me to be the same type crown as used by the Swedes, on their Lahti pistols. So my best WAG, is that these may have made their way into the Swedish military at sometime or other. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

02-21-2007, 02:06 PM	#3
Justa_TXguy User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Glad to meet you as well - I'm in Clear Lake. I looked T up on the markings chart and now that you say it, it does look convincingly like T with a crown overstamped. Right reciever does not have any markings. Luger is otherwise unremarkable. I appreciate your insight!

02-21-2007, 11:29 PM	#4
Lyn Islaub Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 435 Thanks: 3 Thanked 152 Times in 72 Posts	Michael/Don, There's an Alphabet Commercial, that's been for sale for some time now, here in Mesa with that Crown overstamp on it. The fellow selling thinks he has the Holy Grail on his hands and has priced it accordingly, so it's still available. I had asked a few collectors about this proof after I had seen it the first time, but couldn't find anyone with an answer. It is definately a commercially marked pistol and I'll record the serial number the next time I see it. Lyn