1917 DWM LP08 with unusual barrel stamp

Eugen · 11-23-2023, 08:04 AM

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What is this stamp on the barrel? Im guessing its a British capture stamp. If it is, does such a stamp enhance the value? Your comments are appreciated.

Deputywood · 11-23-2023, 09:08 AM

Not a capture stamp. It's a British proof stamp required of every firearm in England. There should be several more and the frame. A search of British proof marks can give you more info. As enhancing value, I'll leave that to others with more experience.

Woody

G41M · 11-23-2023, 09:43 AM

Birmingham Nitro Proof. Not a capture stamp. As I understand, pistols sold (after 1955) thru the UK needed this proof to be sold or exported. My observation has been it does not raise the value of the gun, but it does seem to slow the sale. My opinion is diehard collectors would pass, waiting for a clean example.

Yakman · 11-23-2023, 01:45 PM

Woody, what G41M said! Good shooter at the right price. In my worthless opinion, the only Luger that's desirable that has British proofs is the VICKERS LTD.

Jack

sdmark777 · 11-23-2023, 02:45 PM

What Jack and GM41 said, absolutely agree.

Deputywood · 11-23-2023, 06:13 PM

Here is one I have with those British Proofs. This is a Remington-Rand from 1944 that was sent to England under lend lease. Never issued, and finally released by the British Govt. I previously had a Colt similarly proofed. Some scoff at the proofing and reduce value and others are willing to pay a premium. Your choice. I like it.

Woody

Deputywood · 11-23-2023, 06:17 PM

I do find it interesting that the 1911 was proofed at 14000 PSI and the Luger war 30,000 PSI.

Woody

sdmark777 · 11-23-2023, 06:32 PM

Apples and oranges as to P08 vs 1911 with British proofs. U.S. Lend lease 1911 with British proofs has its place in a couple ways for collectability. P08 with Bristish proofs not Lend lease and applied later in time because it went to that country. This makes it unappealing for collecting to me. Nice 1911 by the way. Tally Ho!

P.S. I like the LP08 also, just the British proof, not so much.

Eugen · 11-23-2023, 06:57 PM

Thank you one and all the informative replies to my inquiry.

A friend and i attended an estate auction recently that consisted of about 60 firearms. This DWM LP08 was the only Luger in the bunch and was all matching, except for the period correct mag. I chose not to bid. My friend acquired it for $2800.

Did he do well in your opinion?

Doubs · 11-24-2023, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugen

Thank you one and all the informative replies to my inquiry. A friend and i attended an estate auction recently that consisted of about 60 firearms. This DWM LP08 was the only Luger in the bunch and was all matching, except for the period correct mag. I chose not to bid. My friend acquired it for $2800. Did he do well in your opinion?

Probably but without more detailed pictures it's impossible to be sure.

Daniel76 · 11-28-2023, 10:59 AM

The largest number of LP08's were produced in 1917 and they are quite common. As stated above, the British proofs would have led me away from it, but, to each their own. Decent 1917's can be had for around that or less without the proofs. To me the redeeming factor here would have been to see it in hand.

Eugen · 11-29-2023, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubs

Probably but without more detailed pictures it's impossible to be sure.

Doubs, I did not take any other photos, just the ones showing the British stampings, as those unusual stampings concerned me and I lost interest in bidding on it. I also did not want to compete with my friend who had a strong interest in acquiring it. I agree that I asked a rather dubious question about value without providing many additional photos to determine the condition and value.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel76

The largest number of LP08's were produced in 1917 and they are quite common. As stated above, the British proofs would have led me away from it, but, to each their own. Decent 1917's can be had for around that or less without the proofs. To me the redeeming factor here would have been to see it in hand.

Dan, I hear you. I do already own a minty 1917 DWM LP08 that is matching except for the mag. Thank you for your comment.

Yakman · 11-29-2023, 10:45 AM

Woody, sounds like you're becoming quite a Luger collector.

Jack

Deputywood · 11-29-2023, 12:57 PM

I'm out money for now. LOL

Woody

11-23-2023, 08:04 AM	#1
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 757 Thanks: 366 Thanked 594 Times in 313 Posts	1917 DWM LP08 with unusual barrel stamp What is this stamp on the barrel? Im guessing its a British capture stamp. If it is, does such a stamp enhance the value? Your comments are appreciated. __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

11-23-2023, 06:13 PM	#6
Deputywood User Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 71 Thanks: 70 Thanked 84 Times in 35 Posts	Here is one I have with those British Proofs. This is a Remington-Rand from 1944 that was sent to England under lend lease. Never issued, and finally released by the British Govt. I previously had a Colt similarly proofed. Some scoff at the proofing and reduce value and others are willing to pay a premium. Your choice. I like it. Woody Attached Thumbnails

11-23-2023, 06:57 PM	#9
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 757 Thanks: 366 Thanked 594 Times in 313 Posts	Thank you one and all the informative replies to my inquiry. A friend and i attended an estate auction recently that consisted of about 60 firearms. This DWM LP08 was the only Luger in the bunch and was all matching, except for the period correct mag. I chose not to bid. My friend acquired it for $2800. Did he do well in your opinion? __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

11-23-2023, 09:08 AM	#2
Deputywood User Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 71 Thanks: 70 Thanked 84 Times in 35 Posts	Not a capture stamp. It's a British proof stamp required of every firearm in England. There should be several more and the frame. A search of British proof marks can give you more info. As enhancing value, I'll leave that to others with more experience. Woody

11-23-2023, 09:43 AM	#3
G41M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Texas Posts: 35 Thanks: 83 Thanked 142 Times in 24 Posts	Birmingham Nitro Proof. Not a capture stamp. As I understand, pistols sold (after 1955) thru the UK needed this proof to be sold or exported. My observation has been it does not raise the value of the gun, but it does seem to slow the sale. My opinion is diehard collectors would pass, waiting for a clean example.

11-23-2023, 01:45 PM	#4
Yakman User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 119 Thanks: 878 Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts	Woody, what G41M said! Good shooter at the right price. In my worthless opinion, the only Luger that's desirable that has British proofs is the VICKERS LTD. Jack

11-23-2023, 02:45 PM	#5
sdmark777 User Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 281 Thanks: 656 Thanked 663 Times in 169 Posts	What Jack and GM41 said, absolutely agree.

11-23-2023, 06:17 PM	#7
Deputywood User Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 71 Thanks: 70 Thanked 84 Times in 35 Posts	I do find it interesting that the 1911 was proofed at 14000 PSI and the Luger war 30,000 PSI. Woody

11-23-2023, 06:32 PM	#8
sdmark777 User Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 281 Thanks: 656 Thanked 663 Times in 169 Posts	Apples and oranges as to P08 vs 1911 with British proofs. U.S. Lend lease 1911 with British proofs has its place in a couple ways for collectability. P08 with Bristish proofs not Lend lease and applied later in time because it went to that country. This makes it unappealing for collecting to me. Nice 1911 by the way. Tally Ho! P.S. I like the LP08 also, just the British proof, not so much.

11-28-2023, 10:59 AM	#11
Daniel76 User Join Date: May 2021 Location: Texas Posts: 37 Thanks: 71 Thanked 110 Times in 26 Posts	The largest number of LP08's were produced in 1917 and they are quite common. As stated above, the British proofs would have led me away from it, but, to each their own. Decent 1917's can be had for around that or less without the proofs. To me the redeeming factor here would have been to see it in hand.

11-29-2023, 10:45 AM	#13
Yakman User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 119 Thanks: 878 Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts	Woody, sounds like you're becoming quite a Luger collector. Jack

11-29-2023, 12:57 PM	#14
Deputywood User Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 71 Thanks: 70 Thanked 84 Times in 35 Posts	I'm out money for now. LOL Woody