1945 HK Lugers...Real Or Not...?

John D. · 11-04-2002, 09:13 PM

Hi Pete,

Interesting question....

The 1945 die settings are similar to the 1940, 1943, and late 1944 chamber dates. The 1942 is spaced differently with the "194" (as are the small die 1941). The "1942" numerals are closer together and the "2" spaced offset, so that the overall "date" is equidistant across the chamber - but the "2" is offset slightly to the right.

On a 1945 date - the "5" has it's own characteristics, that are unique and follow those that I believe are non-faked 1945 chamber-dates Kriegs... The "forged "1945"" pieces I believe are out there and some I have seen, have a different "5" altogether without some of the original characteristics of the original "5" die - spacing notwithstanding. The "originals" also have a specific offset, numeral cant and irregularities (within the base and baseline cursive).

Best to you!

11-04-2002, 09:13 PM	#8
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	Hi Pete, Interesting question.... The 1945 die settings are similar to the 1940, 1943, and late 1944 chamber dates. The 1942 is spaced differently with the "194" (as are the small die 1941). The "1942" numerals are closer together and the "2" spaced offset, so that the overall "date" is equidistant across the chamber - but the "2" is offset slightly to the right. On a 1945 date - the "5" has it's own characteristics, that are unique and follow those that I believe are non-faked 1945 chamber-dates Kriegs... The "forged "1945"" pieces I believe are out there and some I have seen, have a different "5" altogether without some of the original characteristics of the original "5" die - spacing notwithstanding. The "originals" also have a specific offset, numeral cant and irregularities (within the base and baseline cursive). Best to you!