Unknown Proof

RockinWR · 03-30-2003, 11:13 PM

Herb,
* What a straight man.

* Collector's refer to this mark as the Rocking "WR". Any similarity with my Web handle is purely on purpose.
* Mark is unique to & common on Mauser produced firearms. I've noticed a number of P.08's over the years with this mark in this location. Seen on M98k's, M1934 Pocket Pistols, byf P.38's, etc. too. This mark was even used during the French occupation Mauser assemblies immediately after the end of WWII into 1946.
* Warren H. Buxton, Vol. III, Pg. 247 states: During an interview....with August Weiss(Foreman of Luger Production at Mauser) this mark was identified as meaning 'Werks Revision'(factory Revision). So it should be referred to as the "WR" mark, not "RW". This mistaken "RW" identity had been reported in Warren's Vol.II as belonging to an Inspector named Rudolf Weiss.
* SO: what does it signify?? IMO, based on the interview comment reported, an adjustment or revision was necessary to obtain spec. functionality/accuracy/finish/etc. and was undertaken by Mauser's "end-of-line" technicians before final Customer acceptance. The mark signified the revision was successfully completed and acceptable to Mauser. Often, it will be located in the area requiring revision.
* I've noticed, on occasion, multiple hardness dimples frequently accompany this mark. I've interpreted this as a proof check of hardness possibly related to the revision required. Maybe just a final hardness proof to the Army Inspector. Usually blued over; so, might have happened after proof testing & before final bluing.
* As revisions to a hand fitted, close tolerance machine as precision(tempermental?) as a Luger requires knowledge, skill and intimate familiarity, I've concluded only Mauser's most experienced & trusted personnel were allowed these final adjustments before (re)presentation to the Customer (Waffen Inspector).
* With as much "Final Inspection" of P.08's as I've done to verify examples as being correct, one of these days I hope to qualify as a Rocking WR too.

I will skip the revision part of this assignment though. I like to preserve history; not make it.
* SAY ED T/John S.: Think you could crop this pic and make me a personal AV from this mark?? No digital camera nor photo shop S/Ware. <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />
Thanks,
Bob

03-30-2003, 11:13 PM	#1
RockinWR User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: D/FW, Tx Posts: 279 Thanks: 109 Thanked 31 Times in 16 Posts	Herb, * What a straight man. * Collector's refer to this mark as the Rocking "WR". Any similarity with my Web handle is purely on purpose. * Mark is unique to & common on Mauser produced firearms. I've noticed a number of P.08's over the years with this mark in this location. Seen on M98k's, M1934 Pocket Pistols, byf P.38's, etc. too. This mark was even used during the French occupation Mauser assemblies immediately after the end of WWII into 1946. * Warren H. Buxton, Vol. III, Pg. 247 states: During an interview....with August Weiss(Foreman of Luger Production at Mauser) this mark was identified as meaning 'Werks Revision'(factory Revision). So it should be referred to as the "WR" mark, not "RW". This mistaken "RW" identity had been reported in Warren's Vol.II as belonging to an Inspector named Rudolf Weiss. * SO: what does it signify?? IMO, based on the interview comment reported, an adjustment or revision was necessary to obtain spec. functionality/accuracy/finish/etc. and was undertaken by Mauser's "end-of-line" technicians before final Customer acceptance. The mark signified the revision was successfully completed and acceptable to Mauser. Often, it will be located in the area requiring revision. * I've noticed, on occasion, multiple hardness dimples frequently accompany this mark. I've interpreted this as a proof check of hardness possibly related to the revision required. Maybe just a final hardness proof to the Army Inspector. Usually blued over; so, might have happened after proof testing & before final bluing. * As revisions to a hand fitted, close tolerance machine as precision(tempermental?) as a Luger requires knowledge, skill and intimate familiarity, I've concluded only Mauser's most experienced & trusted personnel were allowed these final adjustments before (re)presentation to the Customer (Waffen Inspector). * With as much "Final Inspection" of P.08's as I've done to verify examples as being correct, one of these days I hope to qualify as a Rocking WR too. I will skip the revision part of this assignment though. I like to preserve history; not make it. * SAY ED T/John S.: Think you could crop this pic and make me a personal AV from this mark?? No digital camera nor photo shop S/Ware. <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> Thanks, Bob