Commerical Questions

pauly · 02-09-2021, 08:26 AM

This is a continuation of a thread I started in War /PO8 section, Mods feel free to move.
So I finally got to see this pistol first hand and have some questions.
From my research I believe this is a Banner 8 line commercial with a late production DMW frame, there is no dimple in the stock lug. The pistol is a 9mm. The right hand side is in nice shape, the left hand side not so much. It is all matching including the grips. The two mags that come with it are not matching.
First off are my assumptions correct regarding the pistol in general? Is there anything else you can tell me about the pistol based on the photos? What about the mags? Last any thoughts about getting the left side repaired by Ted?

Thanks
Paul

pauly · 02-09-2021, 08:31 AM

More photos.

Edward Tinker · 02-09-2021, 10:03 AM

I combined these, please make postings of same item in same thread

pauly · 02-09-2021, 10:17 AM

Got it. Thanks Edward.

mrerick · 02-09-2021, 11:22 AM

Pauly, I think you have your identification of this Luger correct.

That serial would be early in the commercial "v" block used by Mauser for these commercial pistols.

The magazines are both military accepted. The first period correct for earlier Mauser military magazines, the second correct for the late 1940 through 1942 period.

The bakelite base magazine is more valuable because it makes any 41 or 42 "byf" Luger a "magazine matching" Luger...

It looks like the pistol is all numbered in the commercial style. Is the side plate numbered on the bottom? Is there a number inside the side plate? Is the safety lever numbered on the bottom?

I have a 1937 Mauser Luger with similar but less extensive pitting and finish loss on the left side. Since it's all matching, it has become my "shooter". I believe this pattern of damage is what you see in long term storage of a Luger in it's holster in a humid environment.

You can make the Luger "pretty" by spending money to "restore" it, but you can never make it original again. It's more valuable as it is than after a restoration, if you consider the combined cost versus what you'd likely get out of selling it after restored. My recommendation would be to leave it as is, and consider using it as a factory fitted shooter - preserving the rest of your collection.

Here's mine for comparison:

pauly · 02-09-2021, 12:29 PM

mrerick,
Thanks for the reference. The locking bolt and side plate are both numbered on the bottom. I don’t recall if the side plate is numbered on the inside.

mrerick · 02-09-2021, 07:28 PM

DWM Side plates are numbered on a lower inside edge also. Double check it.

pauly · 02-10-2021, 07:21 PM

mrerick,

I just had a look and there is no number on the inside of the side plate.

DonVoigt · 02-11-2021, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

DWM Side plates are numbered on a lower inside edge also. Double check it.

Many are, but not all.

02-09-2021, 08:26 AM	#1
pauly User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 94 Thanks: 268 Thanked 45 Times in 25 Posts	Commerical Questions This is a continuation of a thread I started in War /PO8 section, Mods feel free to move. So I finally got to see this pistol first hand and have some questions. From my research I believe this is a Banner 8 line commercial with a late production DMW frame, there is no dimple in the stock lug. The pistol is a 9mm. The right hand side is in nice shape, the left hand side not so much. It is all matching including the grips. The two mags that come with it are not matching. First off are my assumptions correct regarding the pistol in general? Is there anything else you can tell me about the pistol based on the photos? What about the mags? Last any thoughts about getting the left side repaired by Ted? Thanks Paul Attached Thumbnails

02-09-2021, 08:31 AM	#2
pauly User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 94 Thanks: 268 Thanked 45 Times in 25 Posts	Commercial Questions More photos. Attached Thumbnails

02-09-2021, 10:03 AM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,930 Thanks: 2,030 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	I combined these, please make postings of same item in same thread __________________ 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

02-09-2021, 11:22 AM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Pauly, I think you have your identification of this Luger correct. That serial would be early in the commercial "v" block used by Mauser for these commercial pistols. The magazines are both military accepted. The first period correct for earlier Mauser military magazines, the second correct for the late 1940 through 1942 period. The bakelite base magazine is more valuable because it makes any 41 or 42 "byf" Luger a "magazine matching" Luger... It looks like the pistol is all numbered in the commercial style. Is the side plate numbered on the bottom? Is there a number inside the side plate? Is the safety lever numbered on the bottom? I have a 1937 Mauser Luger with similar but less extensive pitting and finish loss on the left side. Since it's all matching, it has become my "shooter". I believe this pattern of damage is what you see in long term storage of a Luger in it's holster in a humid environment. You can make the Luger "pretty" by spending money to "restore" it, but you can never make it original again. It's more valuable as it is than after a restoration, if you consider the combined cost versus what you'd likely get out of selling it after restored. My recommendation would be to leave it as is, and consider using it as a factory fitted shooter - preserving the rest of your collection. Here's mine for comparison: Attached Thumbnails __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

02-09-2021, 07:28 PM	#7
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	DWM Side plates are numbered on a lower inside edge also. Double check it. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

02-09-2021, 10:17 AM	#4
pauly User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 94 Thanks: 268 Thanked 45 Times in 25 Posts	Got it. Thanks Edward.

02-09-2021, 12:29 PM	#6
pauly User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 94 Thanks: 268 Thanked 45 Times in 25 Posts	mrerick, Thanks for the reference. The locking bolt and side plate are both numbered on the bottom. I don’t recall if the side plate is numbered on the inside.

02-10-2021, 07:21 PM	#8
pauly User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 94 Thanks: 268 Thanked 45 Times in 25 Posts	mrerick, I just had a look and there is no number on the inside of the side plate.