1921 DWM front strap S.W.I. 6.5.1.

Don M · 03-27-2014, 11:42 AM

I agree with Neil that these 5-digit 1921 DWMs were an attempt in that year to circumvent the IMKK's order to cease production of 9-mm military/police P08s. I believe DWM added a leading "8" to the serial numbers of 9-mm P08s to "commercialize" them. The 8xxxx range is consistent with a continuation of the pre-WWI commercial serial numbers. In many cases, the placement of the serial number is skewed to the left by the addition of this digit suggesting the 8s were added to previously stamped 4-digit serial numbers, including some with letter suffixes. This appears to be the case in the photo of the barrel serial number. Is it also the case for the serial number on the front of the frame?

03-27-2014, 11:42 AM	#4
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	I agree with Neil that these 5-digit 1921 DWMs were an attempt in that year to circumvent the IMKK's order to cease production of 9-mm military/police P08s. I believe DWM added a leading "8" to the serial numbers of 9-mm P08s to "commercialize" them. The 8xxxx range is consistent with a continuation of the pre-WWI commercial serial numbers. In many cases, the placement of the serial number is skewed to the left by the addition of this digit suggesting the 8s were added to previously stamped 4-digit serial numbers, including some with letter suffixes. This appears to be the case in the photo of the barrel serial number. Is it also the case for the serial number on the front of the frame? __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com