1902 DWM Luger Carbine Rehab Project

FMF Squid · 01-11-2013, 07:36 PM

Looking for someone in the San Diego, CA area to rehab this. This has been in the family a couple of generations, as you can tell it's a little beat up. The last thing I want to do is mess it up. Any cleaning tips would be greatly appreciated.
After I posted this I researched some previous posts. I'm really interested in what comments you have based off of the pics.

Mike B · 01-11-2013, 08:13 PM

Looks like you have what all Luger collectors can only dream about. My advice is clean up any grit or grime, do not scrub the grips, lightly oil the moving parts. Other than that, leave it alone, out of the holster and enjoy a true prize.
Mike

sheepherder · 01-11-2013, 09:30 PM

Absolutely fabulous!

And a big Thank You! for the pic with the stock attached! Despite repeated pleadings, you are the first to post a pic of a complete assembled carbine!

Full width grip safety...And scalloped toggle knobs...Does it have any letters/numbers/graphic on the chamber???

wayne8661 · 01-11-2013, 09:46 PM

I would clean it up IMHO it doesnt need any restoration work at all. Its Beautiful as it is.

W

FMF Squid · 01-11-2013, 10:17 PM

Thank you all for the replies. From reading some previous posts, I'm slowly learning of various models and variations. I also learned how to dissemble it partially so I took a couple more pics for you.

mrerick · 01-11-2013, 10:27 PM

Hi James,

First, welcome to the forum.

You have a very rare and valuable historically significant Luger Carbine.

Anything you do to try and "improve" it will only reduces it's value - both in terms of history and as a collectable.

Apart from taking Michael's advice to properly clean and lubricate it, don't attempt any kind of restoration or refinishing.

Let me repeat, in my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with your Luger Carbine that needs fixing...

I know that this is a family heirloom, but someday if you decide you need a new car and want to part with it to a good home, please give me a call... ;'}

Marc

Ron Wood · 01-12-2013, 12:15 AM

You have a pretty nice example that has the early "one screw" stock, i.e. the stock iron is attached to the stock with ony one screw. This feature is considered a bit of a premium over the later and more numerous two screw stocks. The leather case appears contemporary to the carbine and is a somewhat rare accessory in its own right.
No attempt should be made to "restore" or refinish any of the rig (gun, stock, case). Just judicious and careful cleaning is all that should be done to preserve its value. Professional removal and cleaning of the stock iron plus replacement/restoration of the screw might be considered without diminishing the value, but it is not really necessary.
Congratulations on having a fine family heirloom.

Ron Wood · 01-12-2013, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postino

And a big Thank You! for the pic with the stock attached! Despite repeated pleadings, you are the first to post a pic of a complete assembled carbine!

Not to hijack the thread, but if you like them with the stocks attached...here you go.

sheepherder · 01-12-2013, 09:12 AM

Thanks Ron. A big Thanks! to FMF Squid [I think I know what that is!

) ] for his pics!

It would be nice to see a large picture of individual assembled Luger w/stock attached, taken under diffused light, sharply in focus, without flash glare...

I have issues with my Kodak EasyShare CX7430 digi-cam. It takes excellent close-up pics outside on cloudy day using macro setting. Inside, the macro setting is not so good - image is fuzzy and blurred (not from motion)...Unless flash is used...Then it comes in nice and sharp, but has glare problem...

singleshotman · 01-12-2013, 11:36 AM

i saw you post this on the CALGUNS forum.I'm not sure that was a .good idea.,as i'm pretty sure this might be throught of as a "Assult Weapon" in that state.This is from a former represed CA gun owner who now lives in Texas, a much freer state as per gun laws. I wouldn-take it shooting, some LEO might steal it from you and it would cost a lot of time and effort to get it back.

mrerick · 01-12-2013, 11:47 AM

This stocked Luger is recognized by the ATF as a Curio and Relic, and is not considered a NFA firearm. Has California got some additional state regulations that would further control this specific firearm model? Considering the very high value of this Luger, I wouldn't ever consider firing it anyway... What did the last one at Rock Island Auctions sell for? $58K Marc

FMF Squid · 01-12-2013, 12:17 PM

No worries, this will stay in the safe. Couple of years and I'll retire out of this state and escape California's gun laws

jl7422 · 01-12-2013, 12:53 PM

Congratulations on a very nice carbine. I would echo what others have said -- careful and proper cleaning would appear to be all that is called for.

Regarding California's assault weapons definition: if when assembled the overall length is under 30", the weapon in that configuration would be considered an assault weapon by CA law, and prohibited (unless registered with the state prior to 2000). The posession of the pistol and the stock does not constitute an assault weapon, as the state has no "constructive possession" clause in the assault weapons restrictions. Stocked C&R handguns are exempt from SBR definitions as long as they have an OAL-greater than 30", or are not centerfire.

You may well be over 30" OAL-- I have a long barreled Astra that is 30" with stock attached.

Enjoy your nice carbine!

rhuff · 01-12-2013, 04:56 PM

Thank you for posting photos of that beautiful family heirloom. I now have a serious case of the "I wants"!! I also realize that those weapons are out of my league price wise.

CAP Black · 01-13-2013, 11:54 AM

One treatment that I like is rubbing it good with Lemon Oil. It makes for a nice lift to the finish and not a waxy feel.
Jack

cirelaw · 01-13-2013, 12:40 PM

Not to hijack either but I love wood. I use the old stand by Pledge with lemon oil on all the wood. Looks great for over 90 years.

GySgt1811 · 01-13-2013, 03:20 PM

("A big Thanks! to FMF Squid [I think I know what that is! ) ] for his pics!")

Beautiful weapon; and by the way "Doc," welcome to the forum.

Best Regards,

Gunny John

FMF Squid · 01-15-2013, 11:43 PM

Here are some pics from the cleaning.

I discovered a break in this pic....so much for flawless.

I'm reading through the forums to discover what these marks mean.

alanint · 01-16-2013, 06:40 AM

One question: Is that additional screw next to the attaching iron on the stock a factory feature?

This is the first stock I have seen with an additional screw in the stock wood at that location.

FMF Squid · 01-16-2013, 07:46 AM

No, it seems as though someone tried to work on it in the past. The single screw in the stock looks like it's been over tightened a few times as well.

01-11-2013, 07:36 PM	#1
FMF Squid User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 6 Posts	1902 DWM Luger Carbine Rehab Project Looking for someone in the San Diego, CA area to rehab this. This has been in the family a couple of generations, as you can tell it's a little beat up. The last thing I want to do is mess it up. Any cleaning tips would be greatly appreciated. After I posted this I researched some previous posts. I'm really interested in what comments you have based off of the pics. Last edited by FMF Squid; 01-11-2013 at 08:01 PM. Reason: The more I read other posts, the more I learn

01-11-2013, 09:30 PM	#3
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,398 Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,328 Posts	Absolutely fabulous! And a big Thank You! for the pic with the stock attached! Despite repeated pleadings, you are the first to post a pic of a complete assembled carbine! Full width grip safety...And scalloped toggle knobs...Does it have any letters/numbers/graphic on the chamber??? __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter... Last edited by sheepherder; 01-11-2013 at 11:15 PM.

01-11-2013, 10:27 PM	#6
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Hi James, First, welcome to the forum. You have a very rare and valuable historically significant Luger Carbine. Anything you do to try and "improve" it will only reduces it's value - both in terms of history and as a collectable. Apart from taking Michael's advice to properly clean and lubricate it, don't attempt any kind of restoration or refinishing. Let me repeat, in my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with your Luger Carbine that needs fixing... I know that this is a family heirloom, but someday if you decide you need a new car and want to part with it to a good home, please give me a call... ;'} Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-12-2013, 12:15 AM	#7
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,988 Thanks: 1,067 Thanked 5,090 Times in 1,675 Posts	You have a pretty nice example that has the early "one screw" stock, i.e. the stock iron is attached to the stock with ony one screw. This feature is considered a bit of a premium over the later and more numerous two screw stocks. The leather case appears contemporary to the carbine and is a somewhat rare accessory in its own right. No attempt should be made to "restore" or refinish any of the rig (gun, stock, case). Just judicious and careful cleaning is all that should be done to preserve its value. Professional removal and cleaning of the stock iron plus replacement/restoration of the screw might be considered without diminishing the value, but it is not really necessary. Congratulations on having a fine family heirloom. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

01-12-2013, 09:12 AM	#9
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,398 Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,328 Posts	Thanks Ron. A big Thanks! to FMF Squid [I think I know what that is! ) ] for his pics! It would be nice to see a large picture of individual assembled Luger w/stock attached, taken under diffused light, sharply in focus, without flash glare... I have issues with my Kodak EasyShare CX7430 digi-cam. It takes excellent close-up pics outside on cloudy day using macro setting. Inside, the macro setting is not so good - image is fuzzy and blurred (not from motion)...Unless flash is used...Then it comes in nice and sharp, but has glare problem... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

01-11-2013, 08:13 PM	#2
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	Looks like you have what all Luger collectors can only dream about. My advice is clean up any grit or grime, do not scrub the grips, lightly oil the moving parts. Other than that, leave it alone, out of the holster and enjoy a true prize. Mike

01-11-2013, 09:46 PM	#4
wayne8661 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kennett Square Pennsylvania Posts: 591 Thanks: 15 Thanked 334 Times in 104 Posts	I would clean it up IMHO it doesnt need any restoration work at all. Its Beautiful as it is. W

01-11-2013, 10:17 PM	#5
FMF Squid User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 6 Posts	Thank you all for the replies. From reading some previous posts, I'm slowly learning of various models and variations. I also learned how to dissemble it partially so I took a couple more pics for you.

01-12-2013, 11:36 AM	#10
singleshotman User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	i saw you post this on the CALGUNS forum.I'm not sure that was a .good idea.,as i'm pretty sure this might be throught of as a "Assult Weapon" in that state.This is from a former represed CA gun owner who now lives in Texas, a much freer state as per gun laws. I wouldn-take it shooting, some LEO might steal it from you and it would cost a lot of time and effort to get it back.

01-12-2013, 11:47 AM	#11
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	This stocked Luger is recognized by the ATF as a Curio and Relic, and is not considered a NFA firearm. Has California got some additional state regulations that would further control this specific firearm model? Considering the very high value of this Luger, I wouldn't ever consider firing it anyway... What did the last one at Rock Island Auctions sell for? $58K Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-12-2013, 12:17 PM	#12
FMF Squid User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 6 Posts	No worries, this will stay in the safe. Couple of years and I'll retire out of this state and escape California's gun laws

01-12-2013, 12:53 PM	#13
jl7422 User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: West Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Congratulations on a very nice carbine. I would echo what others have said -- careful and proper cleaning would appear to be all that is called for. Regarding California's assault weapons definition: if when assembled the overall length is under 30", the weapon in that configuration would be considered an assault weapon by CA law, and prohibited (unless registered with the state prior to 2000). The posession of the pistol and the stock does not constitute an assault weapon, as the state has no "constructive possession" clause in the assault weapons restrictions. Stocked C&R handguns are exempt from SBR definitions as long as they have an OAL-greater than 30", or are not centerfire. You may well be over 30" OAL-- I have a long barreled Astra that is 30" with stock attached. Enjoy your nice carbine!

01-12-2013, 04:56 PM	#14
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	Thank you for posting photos of that beautiful family heirloom. I now have a serious case of the "I wants"!! I also realize that those weapons are out of my league price wise.

01-13-2013, 11:54 AM	#15
CAP Black User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fairmont, WV Right here in Mountaineer country and God's country Posts: 767 Thanks: 100 Thanked 168 Times in 96 Posts	One treatment that I like is rubbing it good with Lemon Oil. It makes for a nice lift to the finish and not a waxy feel. Jack

01-13-2013, 12:40 PM	#16
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Not to hijack either but I love wood. I use the old stand by Pledge with lemon oil on all the wood. Looks great for over 90 years. Attached Thumbnails

01-13-2013, 03:20 PM	#17
GySgt1811 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 237 Thanks: 1,238 Thanked 126 Times in 84 Posts	("A big Thanks! to FMF Squid [I think I know what that is! ) ] for his pics!") Beautiful weapon; and by the way "Doc," welcome to the forum. Best Regards, Gunny John

01-15-2013, 11:43 PM	#18
FMF Squid User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 6 Posts	Here are some pics from the cleaning. I discovered a break in this pic....so much for flawless. I'm reading through the forums to discover what these marks mean.

01-16-2013, 06:40 AM	#19
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	One question: Is that additional screw next to the attaching iron on the stock a factory feature? This is the first stock I have seen with an additional screw in the stock wood at that location.

01-16-2013, 07:46 AM	#20
FMF Squid User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 6 Posts	No, it seems as though someone tried to work on it in the past. The single screw in the stock looks like it's been over tightened a few times as well.