Horizontal Lazy N's...Long Message

[Rick K]

A few days ago, Walt J posted the following message. He had promised to put up pictures of the marks in question but had trouble doing so with his web TV. I had looked at one of my Lugers, and realized mine had the same markings he was describing. He and I have corresponded, and he managed to send me his pictures. So, in his behalf, I am re-posting his original message along with the picture. We are both curious to learn what these marks mean. Rick K


Rogues, members, visitors, et al. A Luger mystery to be solved for your fun, enjoyment, and my peace of mind.

First, my most sincere thanks to Bill for his invaluable help in putting the probable history of this piece together for me. His knowledge is truely extraordinary. And to Ted for pointing me in directions that under ordinary circumstances, should have solved this thing, and for putting up with me in general.


I have a double date Luger, quite ordinary in all respects, except that it has dual horizontal lazy "N" nitro marks on the right side, one preceeding the DWM inspectors marks and imperial eagle on the receiver, and the other below it on the right frame rail. All reference material shows proper placement for the crown "N", horizontal or vertical, to be on the receiver's left side. According to numerious individuals I have contacted across the country, my marking does not exist.

Jan Still, in Alaska however, has seen a copy with a single right side marking on the receiver and an elderly gentleman I ran into at a gun show recalls an example from 40 years ago of the single lazy "N" preceeding the DWM inspectors marks, also on a double date police rework.

Here's what I can tell you. The weapon began life as a DWM 1917 LP-08 as evidenced by the transverse step milled out of the front of the receiver. It has a full set of military and DWM inspectors marks as well as a crown "RC" on the rear toggle link indicating rework and reissue, which according to Walter's 'Luger Book' is itself rare for a DWM. Jan, by chance, does have a DWM artillery in his collection with the crown "RC". Sometimes between the end of the war and the rules issued by the Allied Control Commission in 1919, it was reworked and rebarreled with the shorter 9MM and hit with horizontal crown "N"s in what would be the normal positions, the right side of the barrel, toggle link and breech block, with the barrel being serialed to the frame and also inscribed with the bore diameter as well as an inspectors crown "M" on the top left of the barrel.

All of this indicates that it was being reworked for commercial contract or individual sale. However, apparently the gun instead went to the Weimar military, getting the 1920 date, and being reworked and refinished a second time, with the commercial nitro crown "N"s on barrel, toggle link and breech block being virtually buffed into oblivion. All other markings, including the right side horizontal crown "N"s on receiver and frame rail, show only minimal buffing as would be expected with the rework.

The gun eventually wound up with the Dresden Police as evidenced by the S.P.D. on the grip strap. So, my question which to date no one has been able to answer is simply: What are the horizontal crown "N"s doing on the right side of the receiver and frame? Why are they there and for what reason?

The picture of the right side is below. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

All the best, people...Walt






http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Wa...ycrownN::s.jpg