1918/1920 DWM Markings

ktucker5 · 04-10-2010, 11:44 PM

I picked up my first Luger this weekend (for what I believe was a grood deal) and all of the numbers match except an unmarked, but period correct magazine. Based on what I've read to date on the forum what appear to be the unit markings are in an unusual position. It is marked RWSI1 on the right side of the pistol to the left of the military proof marks. Can anyone tell me more about these markings? Thanks,
Bill

Ron Smith · 04-11-2010, 08:43 AM

Hi Bill,

Welcome to the forum.

Is it possible to get a good clear photo of the mark? Without a photo, it's not really possible to say for certain. An unusual marking in an unusual location.

Ron

JTD · 04-11-2010, 12:34 PM

Bill, I believe you may have a Weimar era provisional unit mark that is for the Reichs Wasserschutzpoleizzie(SP?) Does it have a sear safty installed? Pics would be nice. I may be intrested if for sale or trade. I have a thing for such provisional marks.John

Don M · 04-11-2010, 01:02 PM

The mark is probably R.W.S.II. If so, it is from the Weser/Ems district of the Reichs Wasserschutz (HWIS, pp. 316-318). I don't think it is a provisional marking. The RWS apparently had no strict standards about where to mark weapons.

I too would love to see photos and to learn the serial number & suffix and whether it has or had sear or mag safeties. I doubt the latter.

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 07:19 PM

Thanks for the responses, I will try and get some pictures posted this evening. I'm not the most technologically proficient, but should be able to get a couple of photos that should show the detail you may need.

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 07:21 PM

Forgot to list in the previous post, but the gun is numbered 618H

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 07:52 PM

Attached is my first photo attempt. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks,

Bill

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 08:03 PM

hopefully a little clearer image

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 08:24 PM

Another photo

ktucker5 · 04-11-2010, 10:55 PM

To answer a couple of earlier questions, there is no evidence of this pistol ever having either a sear or magazine safety. Thanks

04-10-2010, 11:44 PM	#1
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1918/1920 DWM Markings I picked up my first Luger this weekend (for what I believe was a grood deal) and all of the numbers match except an unmarked, but period correct magazine. Based on what I've read to date on the forum what appear to be the unit markings are in an unusual position. It is marked RWSI1 on the right side of the pistol to the left of the military proof marks. Can anyone tell me more about these markings? Thanks, Bill

04-11-2010, 08:43 AM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi Bill, Welcome to the forum. Is it possible to get a good clear photo of the mark? Without a photo, it's not really possible to say for certain. An unusual marking in an unusual location. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-11-2010, 01:02 PM	#4
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	The mark is probably R.W.S.II. If so, it is from the Weser/Ems district of the Reichs Wasserschutz (HWIS, pp. 316-318). I don't think it is a provisional marking. The RWS apparently had no strict standards about where to mark weapons. I too would love to see photos and to learn the serial number & suffix and whether it has or had sear or mag safeties. I doubt the latter. __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

04-11-2010, 07:52 PM	#7
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Attached is my first photo attempt. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Bill Attached Thumbnails

04-11-2010, 08:03 PM	#8
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	hopefully a little clearer image Attached Thumbnails

04-11-2010, 12:34 PM	#3
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 424 Thanks: 214 Thanked 407 Times in 148 Posts	Bill, I believe you may have a Weimar era provisional unit mark that is for the Reichs Wasserschutzpoleizzie(SP?) Does it have a sear safty installed? Pics would be nice. I may be intrested if for sale or trade. I have a thing for such provisional marks.John

04-11-2010, 07:19 PM	#5
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the responses, I will try and get some pictures posted this evening. I'm not the most technologically proficient, but should be able to get a couple of photos that should show the detail you may need.

04-11-2010, 07:21 PM	#6
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Forgot to list in the previous post, but the gun is numbered 618H

04-11-2010, 08:24 PM	#9
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Another photo Attached Images

04-11-2010, 10:55 PM	#10
ktucker5 User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	To answer a couple of earlier questions, there is no evidence of this pistol ever having either a sear or magazine safety. Thanks