Possible purchase - proof mark ID?

Irishdiver · 09-27-2022, 09:20 AM

I bought my first Luger last week and very new to the world of Luger collecting. I now have the chance to purchase a Swiss Luger. I believe it is a W+F M1906 made in 1921. I have researched as much as possible. I would like opinions on the proof mark located above the p56 stamp. Also what does everyone think of this pistol overall and the originality. These are the best pics I have at the moment. I appreciate the knowledge.

Doubs · 09-27-2022, 12:30 PM

Welcome to the forum. The Swiss P'00/'06 W+F manufactured Lugers are among the finest ever made. If it's matching and the bore is good - most are excellent - then I wouldn't hesitate if the price is right.

The mark you're asking about is an inspector's stamp. It is correct and in the proper position.

aldo35 · 09-27-2022, 03:43 PM

I believe the P36 stamp indicates a military weapon was sold in 1936 for civilian market Nice looking weapon.

jeb111 · 09-27-2022, 05:27 PM

That really is a nice Swiss Luger. If the price is reasonable and everything matches and there is no import mark I would get it. The Lugers in Swiss service were very well cared for and as already pointed out it was released into the civilian market on 1936. Good Luck
Jim

Irishdiver · 09-27-2022, 06:07 PM

Thank you all for your time and information. I believe it is P56 instead of p36. Hard to tell from these pictures. I will hopefully be able to get my hands on it by the end of the week. If everything looks right hopefully I can make a deal.

Yakman · 09-27-2022, 06:14 PM

Irishdiver,

I'm going to be a little harsh, it might save you some money and anguish later on. Just from the inadequate number of photos you posted, it's not a good example of an 06 BERN.

The first picture shows damage to the grip screw slot. The second photo shows amount of wear on the side plate that should be unacceptable for a collector piece; for a shooter, at a shooter price, fine. Photo five shows blue that is turning red. although that is a normal process with age, you can easily find a Luger of this model and age that is nowhere near this far along. I have an example made in 1922. By the way, the Swiss most often repaired and refinished their Lugers before they released them.

This model of Swiss Luger came with a magazine that is unique to the model. Without the original magazine, to me, is like having part of the gun missing. You might provide some really good photos of the mag and the wood bottom. Does it come with two magazines and a holster?

Many Swiss Lugers of this model come as full rigs. I would not consider one without a nice holster, two original mags, and gun condition less than 98%. The gun condition percentage is subjective, of course.

I would pass it up. Too many really nice ones out there.

Jack

wlyon · 09-27-2022, 06:47 PM

I agree with the above. If the price is low maybe ok. There are lots of excellent Swiss Lugers. Bill

Irishdiver · 09-27-2022, 07:08 PM

The harsher the better. That is why I am here. Considering the condition of this one and assuming I can get a good price. What is a good fair price? In the future I hope to have fine quality but at this juncture I’m ok with some flaws and would feel good shooting it. Thanks again.

jeb111 · 09-27-2022, 08:03 PM

I think your right it is a P56 not 36. You need to get more info before a fair estimate can be given. All the questions the previous members asked. I don't think it's a high dollar pistol but who knows now a days people ask outrageous prices for some of these pistols. Find out the asking price then post.
Jim

Irishdiver · 09-27-2022, 08:47 PM

Great info. The sale is just for the pistol as shown. I believe the seller is looking for around $1200. I will see the Luger in person later this week and get a better look.

Doubs · 09-27-2022, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishdiver

I believe the seller is looking for around $1200.

If that Luger is in the States and is all matching with a decent bore, $1200 is a steal.

spangy · 09-28-2022, 11:48 AM

Yup I think it's P 56

Click image for larger version

Name: 0 56.jpg
Views: 764
Size: 31.0 KB
ID: 85822

I would gladly pay $1200.00 for this gun assuming it's all matching with a decent bore.

Stucki · 09-28-2022, 06:25 PM

As far as one can see from the pictures, this Pistole 1900/06 (W+F) is basically ok, although somewhat used. Not original is the rear sight: it should be v-shaped and not u-shaped - but this is often seen on Swiss Lugers 1900 and 1900/06.
The condition is not unusually bad - there are many Swiss Lugers in such (or worse) condition - mostly only the very nice ones are shipped to the USA.

BTW: P59 means that the officer (or NCO) took over the weapon as private property after completing his military service in 1959.

Alexander

Irishdiver · 09-29-2022, 11:38 AM

I purchased the pistol today. Definitely has wear on it and does not look to have been refinished in my opinion. All numbers seem to match. Not sure on the markings by the trigger as pictured. I assume import marks not sure. Thoughts. I am sure it is classified as a shooter and that is fine with me. I have to start somewhere. I gave $1000 for it and hopefully that is an ok price.

jeb111 · 09-29-2022, 12:06 PM

$1000? You did well! Enjoy, I agree your off to a great start the only bad/good thing is you’re going to find it hard to stop with one Luger.
Congrats
Jim

Yakman · 09-29-2022, 12:58 PM

You take nice photos, I'm a little envious.

Jack

Irishdiver · 09-29-2022, 01:23 PM

I appreciate everyone here and I am excited to learn more.

Yakman · 09-29-2022, 03:17 PM

That appears to be an original '06 Swiss made mag. Numbered ones are pretty scarce. Too bad it doesn't match the gun. Things Swiss are thought to be finely made. Strangely, mags for the 06/24 are pretty rough looking. Pretty unmistakable.

Jack

Doubs · 09-29-2022, 03:58 PM

For $1000 you could be charged with theft. I'd have paid the $1200 and considered it a steal. You did REALLY well. They are fine shooters too. Many Swiss altered the rear sight by filing the v notch into a u. I have one made from a DWM parts kit and assembled by W+F in 1910. The rear sight has been altered to be a u notch.

09-27-2022, 09:20 AM	#1
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Possible purchase - proof mark ID? I bought my first Luger last week and very new to the world of Luger collecting. I now have the chance to purchase a Swiss Luger. I believe it is a W+F M1906 made in 1921. I have researched as much as possible. I would like opinions on the proof mark located above the p56 stamp. Also what does everyone think of this pistol overall and the originality. These are the best pics I have at the moment. I appreciate the knowledge. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images

09-27-2022, 03:43 PM	#3
aldo35 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern GA Posts: 343 Thanks: 2,218 Thanked 146 Times in 76 Posts	Swiss luger I believe the P36 stamp indicates a military weapon was sold in 1936 for civilian market Nice looking weapon.

09-27-2022, 06:47 PM	#7
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,635 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,556 Times in 954 Posts	I agree with the above. If the price is low maybe ok. There are lots of excellent Swiss Lugers. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

09-28-2022, 11:48 AM	#12
spangy Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 617 Thanks: 3,065 Thanked 1,057 Times in 429 Posts	Yup I think it's P 56 I would gladly pay $1200.00 for this gun assuming it's all matching with a decent bore. __________________ Whoever said that "money can't buy you happiness" never bought a Luger. WTB - Take Down Lever & Trigger Plate (#90) for an Imperial Artillery.

09-29-2022, 11:38 AM	#14
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	I purchased the pistol today. Definitely has wear on it and does not look to have been refinished in my opinion. All numbers seem to match. Not sure on the markings by the trigger as pictured. I assume import marks not sure. Thoughts. I am sure it is classified as a shooter and that is fine with me. I have to start somewhere. I gave $1000 for it and hopefully that is an ok price. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Irishdiver; 09-29-2022 at 12:35 PM.

09-27-2022, 12:30 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,679 Times in 552 Posts	Welcome to the forum. The Swiss P'00/'06 W+F manufactured Lugers are among the finest ever made. If it's matching and the bore is good - most are excellent - then I wouldn't hesitate if the price is right. The mark you're asking about is an inspector's stamp. It is correct and in the proper position.

09-27-2022, 05:27 PM	#4
jeb111 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2018 Location: wyoming Posts: 277 Thanks: 712 Thanked 331 Times in 133 Posts	That really is a nice Swiss Luger. If the price is reasonable and everything matches and there is no import mark I would get it. The Lugers in Swiss service were very well cared for and as already pointed out it was released into the civilian market on 1936. Good Luck Jim

09-27-2022, 06:07 PM	#5
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Thank you all for your time and information. I believe it is P56 instead of p36. Hard to tell from these pictures. I will hopefully be able to get my hands on it by the end of the week. If everything looks right hopefully I can make a deal.

09-27-2022, 06:14 PM	#6
Yakman User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 119 Thanks: 881 Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts	Irishdiver, I'm going to be a little harsh, it might save you some money and anguish later on. Just from the inadequate number of photos you posted, it's not a good example of an 06 BERN. The first picture shows damage to the grip screw slot. The second photo shows amount of wear on the side plate that should be unacceptable for a collector piece; for a shooter, at a shooter price, fine. Photo five shows blue that is turning red. although that is a normal process with age, you can easily find a Luger of this model and age that is nowhere near this far along. I have an example made in 1922. By the way, the Swiss most often repaired and refinished their Lugers before they released them. This model of Swiss Luger came with a magazine that is unique to the model. Without the original magazine, to me, is like having part of the gun missing. You might provide some really good photos of the mag and the wood bottom. Does it come with two magazines and a holster? Many Swiss Lugers of this model come as full rigs. I would not consider one without a nice holster, two original mags, and gun condition less than 98%. The gun condition percentage is subjective, of course. I would pass it up. Too many really nice ones out there. Jack

09-27-2022, 07:08 PM	#8
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	The harsher the better. That is why I am here. Considering the condition of this one and assuming I can get a good price. What is a good fair price? In the future I hope to have fine quality but at this juncture I’m ok with some flaws and would feel good shooting it. Thanks again.

09-27-2022, 08:03 PM	#9
jeb111 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2018 Location: wyoming Posts: 277 Thanks: 712 Thanked 331 Times in 133 Posts	I think your right it is a P56 not 36. You need to get more info before a fair estimate can be given. All the questions the previous members asked. I don't think it's a high dollar pistol but who knows now a days people ask outrageous prices for some of these pistols. Find out the asking price then post. Jim

09-27-2022, 08:47 PM	#10
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Great info. The sale is just for the pistol as shown. I believe the seller is looking for around $1200. I will see the Luger in person later this week and get a better look.

09-28-2022, 06:25 PM	#13
Stucki User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 84 Thanks: 1 Thanked 130 Times in 34 Posts	As far as one can see from the pictures, this Pistole 1900/06 (W+F) is basically ok, although somewhat used. Not original is the rear sight: it should be v-shaped and not u-shaped - but this is often seen on Swiss Lugers 1900 and 1900/06. The condition is not unusually bad - there are many Swiss Lugers in such (or worse) condition - mostly only the very nice ones are shipped to the USA. BTW: P59 means that the officer (or NCO) took over the weapon as private property after completing his military service in 1959. Alexander

09-29-2022, 12:06 PM	#15
jeb111 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2018 Location: wyoming Posts: 277 Thanks: 712 Thanked 331 Times in 133 Posts	$1000? You did well! Enjoy, I agree your off to a great start the only bad/good thing is you’re going to find it hard to stop with one Luger. Congrats Jim

09-29-2022, 12:58 PM	#16
Yakman User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 119 Thanks: 881 Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts	You take nice photos, I'm a little envious. Jack

09-29-2022, 01:23 PM	#17
Irishdiver User Join Date: Sep 2022 Posts: 10 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	I appreciate everyone here and I am excited to learn more. Attached Thumbnails

09-29-2022, 03:17 PM	#18
Yakman User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 119 Thanks: 881 Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts	That appears to be an original '06 Swiss made mag. Numbered ones are pretty scarce. Too bad it doesn't match the gun. Things Swiss are thought to be finely made. Strangely, mags for the 06/24 are pretty rough looking. Pretty unmistakable. Jack

09-29-2022, 03:58 PM	#19
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,679 Times in 552 Posts	For $1000 you could be charged with theft. I'd have paid the $1200 and considered it a steal. You did REALLY well. They are fine shooters too. Many Swiss altered the rear sight by filing the v notch into a u. I have one made from a DWM parts kit and assembled by W+F in 1910. The rear sight has been altered to be a u notch.