1918 DWM Military Luger Value?

osteentp · 11-14-2013, 03:40 PM

It has the standard markings according to my research. 1918 4 inch barrel. 8.83 stamp on barrel. 9mm para. Decent blue. Matching numbers but not on clip. No holster, etc. Sn 123x.

Also, would grips have any markings? They are in very good condition.

Any info as to value appreciated. Sadly, I will be having to sell it.

Edward Tinker · 11-14-2013, 03:56 PM

Welcome to the forum, it is a a bit too hard to judge value with these pictures.

It appears to be in good original shape, but it could have been reblued at one time? Just need better pictures.
could be $600 or $1200

All small parts should have the last two of the serial number, it doesn't look like 123x? I don't think they made that many lugers in 1918. I know you were giving a x as an example and value would not be affected by what suffix it is, but for legal reasons, you will want to state, DWM, 1918, sn 1237 d luger when you sell.

A 1918 should have a wood base, although to the average person they wouldn't know or care.

How is the base of the magazine marked (some folks get all weird about calling them clips

)

Arizona Slim · 11-14-2013, 04:01 PM

Hi Gary and welcome to the forum, if you will take more photos of your pistol and from different angels and outside in more direct sunlight I'm certain that you will get some very accurate information as to the value and condition from other forum members. When you decide to sell your Luger please consider offering it here first in the For Sale section, it is free to the members.

Lon

osteentp · 11-14-2013, 04:10 PM

All small parts do have last two digits of serial number stamped on them. Base of magazine appears to be aluminum with different serial number in four digits. Back of grips have no numbers stamped, but look matched to overall condition of gun. Do not believe it is a reblue as the straw and all appear very original. I would assume that a reblue would also weaken the machine marks inherent in the guns manufacture. It has all original machine marks. I am a coin dealer, so I do understand and recognize the effects of buffing and polishing.

I am having trouble with the camera. Hopefully get it fixed soon and post much better detailed pictures.

osteentp · 11-14-2013, 04:12 PM

The serial number is four numbers. No prefix or suffix. The parts are stamped with the last two numbers only. All match the last two numbers of the serial number.

Spot visible is cosmoline or grease and not rust....

Edward Tinker · 11-14-2013, 04:26 PM

if you look at the sideplate, you will see that it is missing the sear safety, this is a post war (WW1) addition by the police - so it went into their service sometime in the Weimar or early nazi period. Missing the sear safety will affect value, but not drastically, for an example of the sear safety, see the FAQ

osteentp · 11-14-2013, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

if you look at the sideplate, you will see that it is missing the sear safety, this is a post war (WW1) addition by the police - so it went into their service sometime in the Weimar or early nazi period. Missing the sear safety will affect value, but not drastically, for an example of the sear safety, see the FAQ

You state that mine IS missing the sear safety? So that means that it DID see police service? Just wanting to make sure I understand.....

Many thanks!

osteentp · 11-15-2013, 01:45 PM

Here are some better pictures for your consideration.

If there are specific areas that you would like to look at, let me know. I will try to get good pics.

11-14-2013, 03:40 PM	#1
osteentp User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1918 DWM Military Luger Value? It has the standard markings according to my research. 1918 4 inch barrel. 8.83 stamp on barrel. 9mm para. Decent blue. Matching numbers but not on clip. No holster, etc. Sn 123x. Also, would grips have any markings? They are in very good condition. Any info as to value appreciated. Sadly, I will be having to sell it. Attached Thumbnails

11-14-2013, 03:56 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Welcome to the forum, it is a a bit too hard to judge value with these pictures. It appears to be in good original shape, but it could have been reblued at one time? Just need better pictures. could be $600 or $1200 All small parts should have the last two of the serial number, it doesn't look like 123x? I don't think they made that many lugers in 1918. I know you were giving a x as an example and value would not be affected by what suffix it is, but for legal reasons, you will want to state, DWM, 1918, sn 1237 d luger when you sell. A 1918 should have a wood base, although to the average person they wouldn't know or care. How is the base of the magazine marked (some folks get all weird about calling them clips ) __________________ 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

11-14-2013, 04:12 PM	#5
osteentp User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The serial number is four numbers. No prefix or suffix. The parts are stamped with the last two numbers only. All match the last two numbers of the serial number. Spot visible is cosmoline or grease and not rust.... Attached Thumbnails Last edited by osteentp; 11-14-2013 at 04:20 PM. Reason: add picture

11-15-2013, 01:45 PM	#8
osteentp User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Better pictures Here are some better pictures for your consideration. If there are specific areas that you would like to look at, let me know. I will try to get good pics. Attached Thumbnails

11-14-2013, 04:01 PM	#3
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	Hi Gary and welcome to the forum, if you will take more photos of your pistol and from different angels and outside in more direct sunlight I'm certain that you will get some very accurate information as to the value and condition from other forum members. When you decide to sell your Luger please consider offering it here first in the For Sale section, it is free to the members. Lon

11-14-2013, 04:10 PM	#4
osteentp User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	All small parts do have last two digits of serial number stamped on them. Base of magazine appears to be aluminum with different serial number in four digits. Back of grips have no numbers stamped, but look matched to overall condition of gun. Do not believe it is a reblue as the straw and all appear very original. I would assume that a reblue would also weaken the machine marks inherent in the guns manufacture. It has all original machine marks. I am a coin dealer, so I do understand and recognize the effects of buffing and polishing. I am having trouble with the camera. Hopefully get it fixed soon and post much better detailed pictures.

11-14-2013, 04:26 PM	#6
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	if you look at the sideplate, you will see that it is missing the sear safety, this is a post war (WW1) addition by the police - so it went into their service sometime in the Weimar or early nazi period. Missing the sear safety will affect value, but not drastically, for an example of the sear safety, see the FAQ