1917 DWM with 2 S/N's (not years)?

MT Kid · 08-20-2016, 07:39 PM

Hello everyone. This is my first post, and hopefully I put it in the correct spot. Disclaimer... I know nothing about Lugers! So, here is the story. I was given this 1917 DWM with holster and belt. I field stripped it, and confirmed all matching numbers (except the magazine). The original S/N is 4831, BUT someone overstamped it with a 6633. The overstamp is only in one location, on the left side of the frame behind the take down lever. Have any of you ever experienced this before? My first thought was that it was issued out, returned, re-S/N'd, and then re-issued. I appreciate any information on the topic. (oh, and the usual what do you think the estimated value is, once I put up pictures, etc....) As soon as my wife gets done making dinner, she will shrink down my pics so that I can post them (I are not that puter smart!!!)

MT Kid · 08-20-2016, 08:01 PM

Here are the pics

Edward Tinker · 08-20-2016, 08:01 PM

I have seen this - you can crop the photos but this forum software will resize them for you.
I just saw your pictures - what number is on the barrel, underneath?

I would guess, one of four possibilities

1. Re-issue by east germany
2. possible, but doubtful that the upper slide was replaced at a depot or armory
3. post WW1 replacement for sale to the public, this was done by many private firms
4. done post war by bob the gunsmith

Ed

MT Kid · 08-20-2016, 08:11 PM

The numbers under the barrel are 4831 (on both barrel and receiver with proof marks), and a 8,82. I hope that answers what you asked...

MT Kid · 08-20-2016, 10:37 PM

I guess my next question for the educated masses is, do I have a shooter or a collector?

ithacaartist · 08-20-2016, 11:14 PM

The condition and the over-stamp/mismatch make this pretty much a shooter. It is not without its charm, though. Even breaking an otherwise matching number part would affect its value very little. And, hey, it does not have the common million-dollar chip on the left grip!

alanint · 08-21-2016, 09:55 AM

As an aside, the buckle is incorrectly installed on the belt. The short tab with the holes in it goes on the inside of the belt, not facing outward.

MT Kid · 08-21-2016, 05:42 PM

sweet. Thanks for the info, it is more than I knew yesterday.
Alanint, I will get that switched around. The buckle is also broke on the inside so it is just for show anyways. Hey, I am not complaining for the price of free....

rhuff · 08-21-2016, 05:59 PM

If you do plan to shoot it, first break it down for a good inspection, cleaning, and lube. Youtube has some good videos for that. Stick with std. pressure ammo with FMJ.

08-20-2016, 07:39 PM	#1
MT Kid User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1917 DWM with 2 S/N's (not years)? Hello everyone. This is my first post, and hopefully I put it in the correct spot. Disclaimer... I know nothing about Lugers! So, here is the story. I was given this 1917 DWM with holster and belt. I field stripped it, and confirmed all matching numbers (except the magazine). The original S/N is 4831, BUT someone overstamped it with a 6633. The overstamp is only in one location, on the left side of the frame behind the take down lever. Have any of you ever experienced this before? My first thought was that it was issued out, returned, re-S/N'd, and then re-issued. I appreciate any information on the topic. (oh, and the usual what do you think the estimated value is, once I put up pictures, etc....) As soon as my wife gets done making dinner, she will shrink down my pics so that I can post them (I are not that puter smart!!!) Attached Thumbnails

08-20-2016, 08:01 PM	#2
MT Kid User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	follow up pics Here are the pics Attached Thumbnails

08-20-2016, 08:01 PM	#3
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	I have seen this - you can crop the photos but this forum software will resize them for you. I just saw your pictures - what number is on the barrel, underneath? I would guess, one of four possibilities 1. Re-issue by east germany 2. possible, but doubtful that the upper slide was replaced at a depot or armory 3. post WW1 replacement for sale to the public, this was done by many private firms 4. done post war by bob the gunsmith 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

08-20-2016, 11:14 PM	#6
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,282 Thanks: 6,988 Thanked 2,474 Times in 1,319 Posts	The condition and the over-stamp/mismatch make this pretty much a shooter. It is not without its charm, though. Even breaking an otherwise matching number part would affect its value very little. And, hey, it does not have the common million-dollar chip on the left grip! __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

08-20-2016, 08:11 PM	#4
MT Kid User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The numbers under the barrel are 4831 (on both barrel and receiver with proof marks), and a 8,82. I hope that answers what you asked...

08-20-2016, 10:37 PM	#5
MT Kid User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I guess my next question for the educated masses is, do I have a shooter or a collector?

08-21-2016, 09:55 AM	#7
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	As an aside, the buckle is incorrectly installed on the belt. The short tab with the holes in it goes on the inside of the belt, not facing outward.

08-21-2016, 05:42 PM	#8
MT Kid User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	sweet. Thanks for the info, it is more than I knew yesterday. Alanint, I will get that switched around. The buckle is also broke on the inside so it is just for show anyways. Hey, I am not complaining for the price of free....

08-21-2016, 05:59 PM	#9
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 957 Times in 703 Posts	If you do plan to shoot it, first break it down for a good inspection, cleaning, and lube. Youtube has some good videos for that. Stick with std. pressure ammo with FMJ.