Police or not?

Walt NW · 04-27-2005, 06:44 PM

Since I recently added (finally) another Luger to my weapons collection, after a few years of not jumping into the forum on a regular basis, decided to get myself caught up. Noticed a topic by Malcolm P. from back in November that resulted in some major discussion. For some time, I've had a 1917/1920 DMW/Krieghoff that based on the info in Walter's Luger book I've assumed to be a Dresden Police weapon. Markings on the bottom front of the grip are S. P D. with the S.P. on the top line and the D. (slightly smaller) centered below. However, like Malcolms, there is no sear safety. Did you knowledgeable folks ever come to a conclusion on whether or not a Luger could have been used by the police without the sear safety installed?

Edward Tinker · 04-27-2005, 06:48 PM

yes, that happens.

BTW, I have a S.P.D. on the toe / bottom half and it is sear safetied.

I'd like to see pictures of yours.

Ed

Don M · 04-27-2005, 07:13 PM

Walt,
You're correct. The police of Saxony marked their weapons this way. In my database, I have examples of markings from the Saxon governmental districts of Dresden (S.P./D.), Leipzig (S.P./L.), Chemnitz (S.P./C.) and Zwickau (S.P./Zw.). Prior to 1932, there was a fifth district, Bautzen, which was merged with Dresden. The pistols from Bautzen have a more conventional mark on the front of the grip strap of the form SP.Bn.xxx.

I, too, would love to see pictures and know the serial number on this gun to add to my database.

Walt NW · 04-27-2005, 07:52 PM

Don,
Serial # is 9414b. Will try and get some pictures out in the next day or two including the right side receiver and frame rail Krieghoff 'lazy N's' and a left side view showing the lack of a sear safety. Thanks much, gentlemen.

04-27-2005, 06:44 PM	#1
Walt NW User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Caney, Texas Posts: 90 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Police or not? Since I recently added (finally) another Luger to my weapons collection, after a few years of not jumping into the forum on a regular basis, decided to get myself caught up. Noticed a topic by Malcolm P. from back in November that resulted in some major discussion. For some time, I've had a 1917/1920 DMW/Krieghoff that based on the info in Walter's Luger book I've assumed to be a Dresden Police weapon. Markings on the bottom front of the grip are S. P D. with the S.P. on the top line and the D. (slightly smaller) centered below. However, like Malcolms, there is no sear safety. Did you knowledgeable folks ever come to a conclusion on whether or not a Luger could have been used by the police without the sear safety installed?

04-27-2005, 07:13 PM	#3
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	Walt, You're correct. The police of Saxony marked their weapons this way. In my database, I have examples of markings from the Saxon governmental districts of Dresden (S.P./D.), Leipzig (S.P./L.), Chemnitz (S.P./C.) and Zwickau (S.P./Zw.). Prior to 1932, there was a fifth district, Bautzen, which was merged with Dresden. The pistols from Bautzen have a more conventional mark on the front of the grip strap of the form SP.Bn.xxx. I, too, would love to see pictures and know the serial number on this gun to add to my database. __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

04-27-2005, 06:48 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,911 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	yes, that happens. BTW, I have a S.P.D. on the toe / bottom half and it is sear safetied. I'd like to see pictures of yours. Ed

04-27-2005, 07:52 PM	#4
Walt NW User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Caney, Texas Posts: 90 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Don, Serial # is 9414b. Will try and get some pictures out in the next day or two including the right side receiver and frame rail Krieghoff 'lazy N's' and a left side view showing the lack of a sear safety. Thanks much, gentlemen.