1920 commercial Luger

[chevy]

Norm these are more pics that you requested. I agree that the serial # on the frame may have been re stamped or double stamped and is not centered as Rich said. The barrel font matches the frame font, however the smaller parts, take down lever,side plate has a smaller but matching fonts. Have you seen other 1920s commercials with double stamps on frame?

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by chevy

Norm these are more pics that you requested. I agree that the serial # on the frame may have been re stamped or double stamped and is not centered as Rich said. The barrel font matches the frame font, however the smaller parts, take down lever,side plate has a smaller but matching fonts. Have you seen other 1920s commercials with double stamps on frame?

*That* pic looks suspicious, too...the witness marks don't line up and the angle of each is different...

I'm a suspicious cynic...and I think that is a replacement barrel...

...Not that there's anything wrong with that...

[irminsûl]

The reason why the witness marks dont add up could be because it was made with a stroke on each part, there is a height gap between the barrel extension and the barrel so it could be a bit difficult to make a mark on both with only one tap

[Norme]

Originally Posted by postino

*That* pic looks suspicious, too...the witness marks don't line up and the angle of each is different...

I'm a suspicious cynic...and I think that is a replacement barrel...

...Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Hi Rich, There has been considerable speculation on what exactly "witness marks" signify. There are five theories:
1/ It's a mark, struck with one blow from a single implement, that certifies that the barrel is original.
3/ A register mark, should the barrel have to be removed, it can be re-installed in it's original position.
4/ A draw mark. Both barrel and receiver are struck at bottom dead center and the barrel is then screwed in until the marks match up.
5/ None of the above.
I spent a lot of time a while ago, collecting photos of witness marks, to try to solve this mystery, and came to the conclusion that it's a research dead-end. I have photos of guns that are clearly original, with suspect marks, and photos of known fakes with perfect marks. Best regards, Norm

[mrerick]

Chevy,

I have an outstanding 1936 with an overstamped serial number that consensus indicates was done at the factory. A little inattention in manufacturing must have happened from time to time.

Even the DWM and Mauser factory workers were not perfect in their manufacturing execution.

Marc