Unit marked Luger

[Ben Evans]

Hi all

This luger is also for sale, according to the description it is s unit marked luger to " The pistol is maker marked "S/42" ( Mauser ) and unit marked to "Schupo Dz 221" which was one of the 15 Sicherungs-Divisions ( Security Division ), which was usually formed around men who were graded in one of the lower fitness categories. 221 Sicherungs-Division was originally formed as 221 Infantry Division downgraded in 1941 and disbanded 1944"

It is all matching numbers apart from the magazine. Anyone any opinions? Especially on the unit markings?

Cheers

Ben

[Ben Evans]

Gents any opinions on this luger at all? I was thinking of buying it but I have been told that with
the colour of the blueing on photo 5 looking a little red it could indicate what is called in the gunsmithing world as a quick dip. (No polish, just remove some rust and blue).

Can anyone confirm this or have any other thoughts on it?

[DavidJayUden]

I don't ike the uneven-ness between the barrel finish and that of the barrel extension. Also no halo around the unit markings, which should have been stamped after the original bluing process. It has probably been reblued and the grips do not appear to fit very well.
Some parts having a reddish tint is not uncommon in the Mauser Lugers, especially the later ones.
She is what she is...
dju

[wlyon]

I am not really in to Police lugers but shouldn't this have a sear safety? Bill

[Don M]

Ben, the grip strap marking is that of the Schutzpolizei (uniformed police) of Danzig (HWIS pp. 298-300). Although you report it is all matching, I suspect the upper may be from a different gun than the unit-marked frame. The 1937 manufacture date of the upper is much later than other recorded P08s of this unit (HWIS Table 18-2). Although Danzig was not a part of Germany until 1939, its police was modeled on those of Germany and Germany terminated police unit marking in 1937. If the frame had been manufactured in 1937, I doubt it would have been property marked by the Danzig police. Also, the pistol appears to have been a Russian capture. Many of these were reworked substantially. Is there any evidence of force-matching of the serial number on the front of the frame?

Bill, police Lugers do not necessarily have sear safeties, but the lack of one on this pistol may be further evidence that the upper is a military replacement.

[Geo99]

Ben,

I would not advise a friend to buy this gun.
It is definitely reblued, finish is wrong (dull and gray), Unless it's the lighting in pic 5, reddish tint on a partial area of frame is wrong and is what is referred to as incorrect rebluing job (although red can legitimately occur on entire individual small parts). Safety lettering is too white and perfect.

It is also not all matching - toggle axle pin is not numbered, sideplate numbering looks wrong and is likely a replacement, extractor is not numbered. I agree with David about the barrel - it almost looks parkerized to me, rather than blued.

- Geo

[Ben Evans]

Many thanks guys, it stays where it is, I will look for another

[Don M]

The refinish as well as the replacement of the upper appears consistent with other Russian captures.

[Schupo]

Ben,

Don is right on the money (as usual). The marking is for the Danzig Schutzpolizei and not an Army Security Division. I have an East German rework that is gripstrap marked in this manner that was officially reworked at the Volkspolizei Armory in Suhl.

I hope this is helpful.

[Ben Evans]

Again. many thanks for the help, I have scrubbed this one from my potential list