1920 dwm

[Don M]

Originally Posted by pqschipper

I'm currently at the shore in NJ, battening down the hatches in preparation for hurricane Sandy, headed this way.

I hope you weather the storm! Having gone through a number of hurricanes in NC and on the Gulf Coast, I know the anxiety.

[Lugerdoc]

Don, Right on! SP, Good luck with the "hatches". TH

[pqschipper]

Originally Posted by Don M

Does the barrel have the stamp PTV or TP (superimposed) over and eagle on the right side?

The pistol probably remained in police service through WWII.

Home again and examining the right side of the barrel does reveal some markings, which do look like letters or an eagle. Kind of hard for me to make out exactly what letters they are but they could be T and P. (see attached).

Also, after trying to determine exactly how the gun fires, it appears to me that perhaps the firing pin has been compromised. (see attached photos) I seem to recall my uncle saying as much some years ago, but had forgtten those comments until now. I know that he fought in WWII in Germany and brought the gun and a couple of daggers home from the war. Was it standard practice to disable the ability to fire the gun back then?

Given the gun's history and condition, does anyone an estimate of it's value? Can't say that I'm looking to sell, just curious.

Many thanks to all for the great info!

Best,
Patrick

[alanint]

Yes, your firing pin has had the ear sheared off. This can be fixed by a number of people, which would keep your pistol all original and matching.

[Lugerdoc]

Your FP is definately broken. I do have original unnumbered DWM good FPs available @$50 postpaid. You do have the correct intertwinded TP (technical police) marking for your correct police replaced barrel. TH

[Don M]

The TP/eagle was the firing proof of the Technische Polizeischule in Berlin. This organization contained the Berlin Police Armory. This proof began to be used in 1935-36 which is the earliest date for the barrel replacement. This is consistent with when the Gemeindepolizei were armed with P08s. This strongly suggests that the rework was done about 1936. By that time, the mag safeties were known to be undesirable so only a sear safety was added during the rework. This may also have been when a holdopen was added.

[pqschipper]

Originally Posted by alanint

Yes, your firing pin has had the ear sheared off. This can be fixed by a number of people, which would keep your pistol all original and matching.

Thanks for the info. Can you suggest someone to do this repair work? I assume that having the repair done would be better than just getting a new firing pin.

[alanint]

I'm not sure, but Luger Doc, (Tom Heller) who posted above may be able to help you.

[wlyon]

Yes I would get the original fixed since it is matching. I would also buy a new one for shooting. I'm sure Lugerdoc can fix you up. Bill

[RJS]

Patrick-

Your original question asked about value of the pistol. No one else has addressed this. IMHO, I offer this observation:

From a buyer's perspective, I see a gun that does not have all the original parts and a broken firing pin. I would pay 1k max and then get a replacement firing pin for $50.

It is a great family inheritance. Enjoy it, and get a new firing pin so you can shoot it.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. I learned a lot from the comments.

[pqschipper]

Originally Posted by Lugerdoc

Your FP is definately broken. I do have original unnumbered DWM good FPs available @$50 postpaid.

Tom, I'd like to acquire a good FP for this gun and get the original FP repaired if possible. Can you handle this? If so, how to proceed? Please email me at pqschipper@comcast.net.

Thanks!

Patrick

[pqschipper]

I'm obtaining an unnumbered firing pin for this gun and was wondering whether or not I should actually shoot the gun.

Given that the gun and parts are all matching (save for the firing pin) and the overall great condition of the gun, would it be better off in someone's collection?

God forbid that I should shoot it and actually break a matching, numbered part.

So, does anyone have any opinions on whether it should be a collectible or not? If so, how about suggesting a fair selling price.

Many thanks in advance,
Patrick

[alanint]

Your gun is most definitely collectable with a very interesting history. In my opinion it would be a shame to break a matching part.
I would sell it, buy a shooter and put several hundred dollars in your pocket.

[skeeter4206]

I'd definitley keep it around as show and tell with that history. But the urge to shoot such an awesome gun, well it hard to fight that urge.