Researching a 1906 Commercial Luger

Kurt · 08-03-2003, 05:11 AM

Gents,
I am a novice on Lugers, to be sure. I was hoping to get some help on what to look for in terms of markings, proofs, etc. on a beautiful Luger I purchased in the mid 80s. I bought the pistol because of the shape it was in and because I was fascinated with the precision machining of the firearm.

I believe it is a 1906 Commercial Model, possibly made in 1906. It is a DWM, serial # 33XXX. All numbers match. It's a 9mm and in excellent
condition, with the original magazine. It is in the original blue as far as I can tell. On the front of the frame, viewed from under the barrel, the word "Germany",is stamped (in English).

What else should I look for interms of markings to help me research the pistol? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

One last thing, I am an avid pistol shooter rather than a collector. I take this pistol to the range several times a year as I love shooting it. However, if it has any future collector value, maybe I should retire it from active duty. Any advice?

Kurt · 08-03-2003, 05:32 AM

I forget to say that my 1906 DWM has a grip safety. Always forget something...
Kurt

Edward Tinker · 08-03-2003, 05:34 AM

Kurt welcome to the forum!

If it is NOT a reblue, it is worth more than a shooter by probably $700 or $800 dollars (much more going by what Herbert stated). Of course it all depends on condition, condition, condition.

You can learn a lot by reading previous posts in the Early section, or doing a search for 1906 commercial, under the search part of the forum.

All the 1906 models have a grip safety I believe.

I don't know, I thought most 1906's were 7.65mm?

Can you tell us any others markings on the gun?

Proofs? (see on your left under tech information if you came through www.lugerforum.com) Tell us what and where proofs and markings are located.

There are forms in this section, where you can print out and then write down pertinent information.

Can you provide pictures, to include side, top, etc?

So you you know, if you want to modify a previous posting, you can click on the icon of the pencil and paper and change your mistakes or wording.

Ed

drbuster · 08-03-2003, 02:47 PM

Dear Ed, Jan Still, in his book Imperial Lugers, informs us, on page 11, that 3300 1906 4" barrel models in 9mm were produced, serial range 27982-68073. This piece falls into that range. In "excellent" condition, according to Aarron's book, it could bring up to $3000 in the late 1990's, when the book was published. Of course, pictures would help us all to see if its condition is truly "excellent".

Edward Tinker · 08-03-2003, 03:06 PM

So, I would suggest he buy a "shooter" and not be shooting with this one? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Be a mighty drop of value if it broke a part or two...

Ed

Daniel · 08-03-2003, 03:53 PM

I too have what I have been calling my 1906 DWM grip safety in 9mm, but my serial number is out of that range with #265xx. What should I be calling it?

drbuster · 08-03-2003, 04:57 PM

Dear Daniel, I would simply call your piece an "out of range", but AUTHENTIC 9mm 1906. Jan Still gleaned the serial number range from reported examples, several years ago. Witness the ever widening range of the serial range of the 1900 AE test pieces. Ron Wood has been "expanding" his very useful data base for years. Jan Still admits there is more out there than in his excellent books. That's why new editions are written.

Daniel · 08-03-2003, 08:46 PM

Many thanks for the info. I also have a DWM grip safety in .30 cal. serial # 85xx i. Care to comment?

drbuster · 08-03-2003, 08:58 PM

Daniel, always a challenge! Need more info, such as barrel length (should be 4 3/4"), proofs (should be crown/N left receiver, left side of breechblock and under barrel), markings over chamber (should be none), etc. Is "GERMANY" stamped anywhere, such as in front of frame where the full serial is stamped, right side of receiver, back of frame, etc. This piece is PROBABLY a 1920 commercial (page 39 of Aarron's book). Examples with grip safeties are definitely seen, but are more unusual. 1920 commercials are the most common type of Luger with numerous variations. In excellent condition would be worth around $1800-2000.

Kurt · 08-04-2003, 01:21 AM

Gents,
Thanks for the information and advice. I will go over the pistol with a fine eye, take some photos, and try to post them in about a week or so.
Kurt

Daniel · 08-04-2003, 03:25 PM

O.K. Herbert, here it goes;
Luger #1 DWM
Serial#85xx i on frame and under barrel.
3 and 13/16" barrel.
c/n on barrel,left side of receiver and forward link.
no chamber marks.
all matching and numbered in com'l style.
grip safety.
not "Germany " marked.
"Gersichert" marked safety.

Luger #2 DWM
serial#265xx on frame and barrel.
4" barrel.
B U proofed on left side of receiver.
blank chamber.
serial # on barrel and BUG proofed.
com'l style numbering and matching.
not "Germany" marked.
not marked "Gesichert" ,safety area polished.

Whatta' think ?

Lugerdoc · 08-05-2003, 01:06 PM

Daniel, Both above descriptions sound correct for 1) a 1920 commerical and 2) a M1906 commerical 9mm with grip safety. TH

drbuster · 08-05-2003, 02:01 PM

Absolutely agree with Tom Heller, our esteemed Lugerdoc.

Daniel · 08-05-2003, 04:23 PM

Many thanks to you both, till later, Daniel
....Oh, one other question, how rare is my grip safety 1920 ? I've seen many "run of the mill" 1920's and only one with a GS ?

Navy · 08-06-2003, 01:39 AM

Hi Daniel,
Grip safety 1920s are unusual but do not fall into the Rare category; in 95% + condition, they typically change hands for $1800 up.
Tom A

Daniel · 08-06-2003, 02:33 AM

WOW, great news, mucho thanks !!! I feel like Jesse James after he robbed his first train, I think I stole it !... But all I did is pay the asking price,...... This gives better returns than my IRA or 401k.

08-03-2003, 05:34 AM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	Kurt welcome to the forum! If it is NOT a reblue, it is worth more than a shooter by probably $700 or $800 dollars (much more going by what Herbert stated). Of course it all depends on condition, condition, condition. You can learn a lot by reading previous posts in the Early section, or doing a search for 1906 commercial, under the search part of the forum. All the 1906 models have a grip safety I believe. I don't know, I thought most 1906's were 7.65mm? Can you tell us any others markings on the gun? Proofs? (see on your left under tech information if you came through www.lugerforum.com) Tell us what and where proofs and markings are located. There are forms in this section, where you can print out and then write down pertinent information. Can you provide pictures, to include side, top, etc? So you you know, if you want to modify a previous posting, you can click on the icon of the pencil and paper and change your mistakes or wording. Ed __________________ 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

08-03-2003, 03:06 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	So, I would suggest he buy a "shooter" and not be shooting with this one? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Be a mighty drop of value if it broke a part or two... Ed __________________ 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

08-05-2003, 01:06 PM	#12
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Daniel, Both above descriptions sound correct for 1) a 1920 commerical and 2) a M1906 commerical 9mm with grip safety. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

08-03-2003, 05:11 AM	#1
Kurt New User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Researching a 1906 Commercial Luger Gents, I am a novice on Lugers, to be sure. I was hoping to get some help on what to look for in terms of markings, proofs, etc. on a beautiful Luger I purchased in the mid 80s. I bought the pistol because of the shape it was in and because I was fascinated with the precision machining of the firearm. I believe it is a 1906 Commercial Model, possibly made in 1906. It is a DWM, serial # 33XXX. All numbers match. It's a 9mm and in excellent condition, with the original magazine. It is in the original blue as far as I can tell. On the front of the frame, viewed from under the barrel, the word "Germany",is stamped (in English). What else should I look for interms of markings to help me research the pistol? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. One last thing, I am an avid pistol shooter rather than a collector. I take this pistol to the range several times a year as I love shooting it. However, if it has any future collector value, maybe I should retire it from active duty. Any advice?

08-03-2003, 05:32 AM	#2
Kurt New User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I forget to say that my 1906 DWM has a grip safety. Always forget something... Kurt

08-03-2003, 02:47 PM	#4
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Dear Ed, Jan Still, in his book Imperial Lugers, informs us, on page 11, that 3300 1906 4" barrel models in 9mm were produced, serial range 27982-68073. This piece falls into that range. In "excellent" condition, according to Aarron's book, it could bring up to $3000 in the late 1990's, when the book was published. Of course, pictures would help us all to see if its condition is truly "excellent".

08-03-2003, 03:53 PM	#6
Daniel User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ct. and Ma. Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I too have what I have been calling my 1906 DWM grip safety in 9mm, but my serial number is out of that range with #265xx. What should I be calling it?

08-03-2003, 04:57 PM	#7
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Dear Daniel, I would simply call your piece an "out of range", but AUTHENTIC 9mm 1906. Jan Still gleaned the serial number range from reported examples, several years ago. Witness the ever widening range of the serial range of the 1900 AE test pieces. Ron Wood has been "expanding" his very useful data base for years. Jan Still admits there is more out there than in his excellent books. That's why new editions are written.

08-03-2003, 08:46 PM	#8
Daniel User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ct. and Ma. Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks for the info. I also have a DWM grip safety in .30 cal. serial # 85xx i. Care to comment?

08-03-2003, 08:58 PM	#9
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Daniel, always a challenge! Need more info, such as barrel length (should be 4 3/4"), proofs (should be crown/N left receiver, left side of breechblock and under barrel), markings over chamber (should be none), etc. Is "GERMANY" stamped anywhere, such as in front of frame where the full serial is stamped, right side of receiver, back of frame, etc. This piece is PROBABLY a 1920 commercial (page 39 of Aarron's book). Examples with grip safeties are definitely seen, but are more unusual. 1920 commercials are the most common type of Luger with numerous variations. In excellent condition would be worth around $1800-2000.

08-04-2003, 01:21 AM	#10
Kurt New User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Gents, Thanks for the information and advice. I will go over the pistol with a fine eye, take some photos, and try to post them in about a week or so. Kurt

08-04-2003, 03:25 PM	#11
Daniel User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ct. and Ma. Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	O.K. Herbert, here it goes; Luger #1 DWM Serial#85xx i on frame and under barrel. 3 and 13/16" barrel. c/n on barrel,left side of receiver and forward link. no chamber marks. all matching and numbered in com'l style. grip safety. not "Germany " marked. "Gersichert" marked safety. Luger #2 DWM serial#265xx on frame and barrel. 4" barrel. B U proofed on left side of receiver. blank chamber. serial # on barrel and BUG proofed. com'l style numbering and matching. not "Germany" marked. not marked "Gesichert" ,safety area polished. Whatta' think ?

08-05-2003, 02:01 PM	#13
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Absolutely agree with Tom Heller, our esteemed Lugerdoc.

08-05-2003, 04:23 PM	#14
Daniel User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ct. and Ma. Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks to you both, till later, Daniel ....Oh, one other question, how rare is my grip safety 1920 ? I've seen many "run of the mill" 1920's and only one with a GS ?

08-06-2003, 01:39 AM	#15
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	Hi Daniel, Grip safety 1920s are unusual but do not fall into the Rare category; in 95% + condition, they typically change hands for $1800 up. Tom A

08-06-2003, 02:33 AM	#16
Daniel User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ct. and Ma. Posts: 152 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WOW, great news, mucho thanks !!! I feel like Jesse James after he robbed his first train, I think I stole it !... But all I did is pay the asking price,...... This gives better returns than my IRA or 401k.