1906/29 Swiss 7.65

Pete Ebbink · 06-30-2003, 09:59 PM

Dr. Frank,

In reference to the gun you are considering to buy that is in the # 537xx series :

I think you can comfortably be satisifed that this pistol is a model M1929 W+F Bern luger and that it would have come, originally, with red grips and magazine base.

V. Bobba indicates in his book that such red plastic appeared in the # 50,001 to # 57,000 or there abouts. Your pistol, # 537xx, is safely well into the "acceptable" range to have red plastic...

Since the red, canevasit material was very brittle and easily broken, you will also find many M1929 Berns that should be in the "red range" that will have replacement, arsenal-issued brown or black plastic...

Even if you go ahead and buy this gun right away, I would still suggest you pick up the Bobba book. You can learn alot about your pistol's history (e.g. what month, year it was actually made) and more.

Just to tease you; I can tell your pistol was made in 1936 from its serial number and that only 300 were made that year, but a stamping inside the frame well of your gun will actually tell you what month in 1936 the pistol was made...

See the attached page copy from the Bobba book Just Click on the Photo to see it full size :

<a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/bobbaserials2.jpg" target="_fullview"><img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/bobbaserials2.jpg" width="400" alt="Click for fullsize image" /></a>

Pricing amongst USA dealers for a red 1929 Bern in 98% condition has been running around $ 2200 to $ 2500 in the past 4-5 months.

If you do bring this luger home, please feel free to post photos of your new find here on the Luger Forum...

Good Luck !

Pete...

06-30-2003, 09:59 PM	#11
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Dr. Frank, In reference to the gun you are considering to buy that is in the # 537xx series : I think you can comfortably be satisifed that this pistol is a model M1929 W+F Bern luger and that it would have come, originally, with red grips and magazine base. V. Bobba indicates in his book that such red plastic appeared in the # 50,001 to # 57,000 or there abouts. Your pistol, # 537xx, is safely well into the "acceptable" range to have red plastic... Since the red, canevasit material was very brittle and easily broken, you will also find many M1929 Berns that should be in the "red range" that will have replacement, arsenal-issued brown or black plastic... Even if you go ahead and buy this gun right away, I would still suggest you pick up the Bobba book. You can learn alot about your pistol's history (e.g. what month, year it was actually made) and more. Just to tease you; I can tell your pistol was made in 1936 from its serial number and that only 300 were made that year, but a stamping inside the frame well of your gun will actually tell you what month in 1936 the pistol was made... See the attached page copy from the Bobba book Just Click on the Photo to see it full size : <a href="http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/bobbaserials2.jpg" target="_fullview"><img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/bobbaserials2.jpg" width="400" alt="Click for fullsize image" /></a> Pricing amongst USA dealers for a red 1929 Bern in 98% condition has been running around $ 2200 to $ 2500 in the past 4-5 months. If you do bring this luger home, please feel free to post photos of your new find here on the Luger Forum... Good Luck ! Pete...