1939 Banner Eagle L Unknown Barrel Mark

Oldreb · 08-29-2015, 04:15 PM

My first post -- reviewing my first luger to possibly buy. On the underside of the barrel the following is stamped (running lengthwise frame to barrel tip) RAS DFC GA or it could be RAS DEC GA. At the base of the barrel is 8,82. On the base of the front sight is a 3 part mark made up of 2 symbols over a very prominant U. The gun is advertised as a 1939 Banner Police Eagle L -- with all matching numbers and clip. There is a small Eagle L on the right side of the frame just back from where the barrel attaches. There are numerous matching numbers related to the serial number on the gun -- but the barrel is causing me a great deal of concern. I searched this forum and got no hits -- a Google search came up dry as well. The mark is a production mark for sure -- not a soldiers initials/name or unit etc add on. I am just starting my review of the marks and numbers on this gun but wanted to get this barrel question settled so any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

William Hull · 08-29-2015, 04:32 PM

The marking on the underside of the barrel is importer.
The proofing at the sight base is crown over U which is proper.
Welcome to the Forum
William

DavidJayUden · 08-29-2015, 05:17 PM

Reb:
Be cautious because that import marking will dramatically lower the value of the gun. Others will chime in exactly what the markings stand for (something in Georgia I'm guessing), and while it certainly doesn't hurt the function, it does hurt the price tag.
It may help if you can provide a link or photos.
dju

Edward Tinker · 08-29-2015, 05:38 PM

Welcome to the forum

I would look at the matching mag, a good bet is that it is a east german import, meaning that the magazine could be a east german mag, post war. Would need pictures and more info - so even a rarer variation, its value is dramatically less if import marked - just the way of the collecting world.

pictures and more description - see new collectors area - How to ID a Luger to help.

The 8,82 is the land to land measurement and is correct, but not anything special.

Ed

sheepherder · 08-29-2015, 05:50 PM

Welcome 13,000th member!

We need pictures.

Oldreb · 08-29-2015, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. Besides the importer mark on the barrel the bluing just looks too good vs the grip condition. The marks I have been able to research seem to all check out. May have been "Re-conditioned" and then imported. The clip is marked "Haenel (inside an arrow) Schmeisser Patent" in small lengthwise lettering on the right side near the base.. The base looks to be made out of aluminum with the 3 didget serial number with a "1" over it. The rest of the clip is very shiny -- perhaps polished -- certainly never blued. At this point I see it as a no go -- especially if I'm losing future value -- collectibility right off the bat. Lots to learn !! I appreciate ya'll keep me out of a jam.
Best Regards,
Oldreb

08-29-2015, 04:15 PM	#1
Oldreb User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: South Carolina Posts: 83 Thanks: 160 Thanked 25 Times in 10 Posts	1939 Banner Eagle L Unknown Barrel Mark My first post -- reviewing my first luger to possibly buy. On the underside of the barrel the following is stamped (running lengthwise frame to barrel tip) RAS DFC GA or it could be RAS DEC GA. At the base of the barrel is 8,82. On the base of the front sight is a 3 part mark made up of 2 symbols over a very prominant U. The gun is advertised as a 1939 Banner Police Eagle L -- with all matching numbers and clip. There is a small Eagle L on the right side of the frame just back from where the barrel attaches. There are numerous matching numbers related to the serial number on the gun -- but the barrel is causing me a great deal of concern. I searched this forum and got no hits -- a Google search came up dry as well. The mark is a production mark for sure -- not a soldiers initials/name or unit etc add on. I am just starting my review of the marks and numbers on this gun but wanted to get this barrel question settled so any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

08-29-2015, 04:32 PM	#2
William Hull User Join Date: May 2008 Location: south central Kentucky--Tompkinsville Posts: 33 Thanks: 22 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	The marking on the underside of the barrel is importer. The proofing at the sight base is crown over U which is proper. Welcome to the Forum William __________________ "The Flag does not fly because of the wind that blows it. The Flag flies because of each soldiers' last breath blows by it!" Unknown

08-29-2015, 05:38 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Welcome to the forum I would look at the matching mag, a good bet is that it is a east german import, meaning that the magazine could be a east german mag, post war. Would need pictures and more info - so even a rarer variation, its value is dramatically less if import marked - just the way of the collecting world. pictures and more description - see new collectors area - How to ID a Luger to help. The 8,82 is the land to land measurement and is correct, but not anything special. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-29-2015, 05:50 PM	#5
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	Welcome 13,000th member! We need pictures. __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

08-29-2015, 05:17 PM	#3
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Reb: Be cautious because that import marking will dramatically lower the value of the gun. Others will chime in exactly what the markings stand for (something in Georgia I'm guessing), and while it certainly doesn't hurt the function, it does hurt the price tag. It may help if you can provide a link or photos. dju

08-29-2015, 08:09 PM	#6
Oldreb User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: South Carolina Posts: 83 Thanks: 160 Thanked 25 Times in 10 Posts	Thanks for the quick replies. Besides the importer mark on the barrel the bluing just looks too good vs the grip condition. The marks I have been able to research seem to all check out. May have been "Re-conditioned" and then imported. The clip is marked "Haenel (inside an arrow) Schmeisser Patent" in small lengthwise lettering on the right side near the base.. The base looks to be made out of aluminum with the 3 didget serial number with a "1" over it. The rest of the clip is very shiny -- perhaps polished -- certainly never blued. At this point I see it as a no go -- especially if I'm losing future value -- collectibility right off the bat. Lots to learn !! I appreciate ya'll keep me out of a jam. Best Regards, Oldreb