Question? Need input!

Hugh · 07-03-2002, 03:40 PM

I just checked 5 1920/23 (I can't tell the difference) Commercials. These are all matching original guns. There is a two digit number on the rear of the breech block that has no relation to the serial number. They are as follows: SN 91382...14; SN 4689k...67; SN 9824k...53; SN 414m...32; Sn 2255m...69. I checked DWM, Erfurt, & Mauser military guns, a 1900 commercial, a 1900 AE and there are no numbers on the rear of the breech block in any of these guns.

Any comments?
[img]confused.gif[/img]

John Sabato · 07-03-2002, 03:48 PM

Interesting discovery Hugh...

I can't wait for someone who knows the answer to educate us on this one... could it be some kind of inspection mark during manufacturing? a manufacturing batch # identification or possibly an indication of heat treatment or hardness?

Herb · 07-03-2002, 08:30 PM

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Hugh, when you say 'on the rear of the breech block' is it safe to assume that you mean on the top side, and that it is different than the number on the extractor which should be the last two of the serial number?

Hugh · 07-03-2002, 08:39 PM

Herb,

These are COMMERCIAL guns, numbered in the commercial manner. There is no number on the extractor or the middle toggle link. The number I am refering to is on the REAR of the breechblock, next to the slotted end of the firing pin retainer. You have to remove the toggle train, and flex the breechblock down against the pressure of the firing pin spring to see it clearly. It is on the opposite side of the slot that the firing pin sear rides in, on the rear of the breechblock.
<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

Herb · 07-03-2002, 09:54 PM

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Well, DUH. What the heck are you lookin in there for anyway?? <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" /> My mismatched 37 DWM with a S/42 toggle train #79 has a 46 stamped there, the 1918 matching DWM has an 'N', The 1920ish Bulgarian is blank. I didn't take the other 1918 apart. Hopefully someone has an answer.

Pete Ebbink · 07-04-2002, 12:58 AM

My 1920's DWM Commerical (serial # 3355 r) has "91" at the location on the rear of the breechblock...

Lugerdoc · 07-04-2002, 10:01 AM

I've long noted this 2 digit number on the rear of commerical breech blocks. I've always assumed that it was some sort of inspectors number, but these are usually only a single digit and I can't imagine ninety-odd inspectors doing the same job. So perhaps one of John Sabato's other theories is correct. Tom H.

07-03-2002, 03:40 PM	#1
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Question? Need input! I just checked 5 1920/23 (I can't tell the difference) Commercials. These are all matching original guns. There is a two digit number on the rear of the breech block that has no relation to the serial number. They are as follows: SN 91382...14; SN 4689k...67; SN 9824k...53; SN 414m...32; Sn 2255m...69. I checked DWM, Erfurt, & Mauser military guns, a 1900 commercial, a 1900 AE and there are no numbers on the rear of the breech block in any of these guns. Any comments? [img]confused.gif[/img] __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

07-03-2002, 03:48 PM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Interesting discovery Hugh... I can't wait for someone who knows the answer to educate us on this one... could it be some kind of inspection mark during manufacturing? a manufacturing batch # identification or possibly an indication of heat treatment or hardness? __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

07-03-2002, 08:30 PM	#3
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Hugh, when you say 'on the rear of the breech block' is it safe to assume that you mean on the top side, and that it is different than the number on the extractor which should be the last two of the serial number? __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

07-03-2002, 08:39 PM	#4
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Herb, These are COMMERCIAL guns, numbered in the commercial manner. There is no number on the extractor or the middle toggle link. The number I am refering to is on the REAR of the breechblock, next to the slotted end of the firing pin retainer. You have to remove the toggle train, and flex the breechblock down against the pressure of the firing pin spring to see it clearly. It is on the opposite side of the slot that the firing pin sear rides in, on the rear of the breechblock. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

07-03-2002, 09:54 PM	#5
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> Well, DUH. What the heck are you lookin in there for anyway?? <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" /> My mismatched 37 DWM with a S/42 toggle train #79 has a 46 stamped there, the 1918 matching DWM has an 'N', The 1920ish Bulgarian is blank. I didn't take the other 1918 apart. Hopefully someone has an answer. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

07-04-2002, 12:58 AM	#6
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	My 1920's DWM Commerical (serial # 3355 r) has "91" at the location on the rear of the breechblock...

07-04-2002, 10:01 AM	#7
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	I've long noted this 2 digit number on the rear of commerical breech blocks. I've always assumed that it was some sort of inspectors number, but these are usually only a single digit and I can't imagine ninety-odd inspectors doing the same job. So perhaps one of John Sabato's other theories is correct. Tom H. __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net