Need help dating a commercial gun

JimD · 09-23-2005, 03:33 AM

I just bought a very clean DWM that is marked in the commercial manner in regards to the serial numbers on parts.

The proof marks are on the left side of the receiver/barrel assembly in front of the side plate. Eagle, crown over a T and crown over a 3. There is no toggle hold open and no stock lug. The chamber is not dated.

The serial number is 434a and the entire gun is matching save for the magazine.

The gun is easily in the 95%-98% range the only things hurting it are that the side plate, while correctly marked 34 on the bottom, has been stamped 09 on the side, x'd out then stamped above that 434. The front strap, right above the bottom of the grip frame, is stamped B.M.S.45.

The gun is a vet bring-back and came with a WWI holster. The story is the widow's husband took it off a dead german in WWII and the gun was possibly used in police service prior to WWII. I will speak to her next week and get the whole story.

Can anyone help me with an approx. production year?

JimD · 09-23-2005, 03:53 AM

I just realized there is no eagle over a crown. Could this be a military gun?

George Anderson · 09-23-2005, 08:46 AM

Jim, I gave you a response in the Military Luger section.

George Anderson · 09-23-2005, 08:46 AM

Jim, I gave you a response in the Military Luger section.

Lugerdoc · 09-23-2005, 09:32 AM

Jim, The proofing sounds like a DWM 1st issue military made in the 1908-1909 period. According to Jeff Noll's book, the B.M.S. indicates use by the Bavarian Military Gunnery School. TH

JimD · 09-23-2005, 11:09 AM

Thanks, Tom.

09-23-2005, 03:33 AM	#1
JimD User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Need help dating a commercial gun I just bought a very clean DWM that is marked in the commercial manner in regards to the serial numbers on parts. The proof marks are on the left side of the receiver/barrel assembly in front of the side plate. Eagle, crown over a T and crown over a 3. There is no toggle hold open and no stock lug. The chamber is not dated. The serial number is 434a and the entire gun is matching save for the magazine. The gun is easily in the 95%-98% range the only things hurting it are that the side plate, while correctly marked 34 on the bottom, has been stamped 09 on the side, x'd out then stamped above that 434. The front strap, right above the bottom of the grip frame, is stamped B.M.S.45. The gun is a vet bring-back and came with a WWI holster. The story is the widow's husband took it off a dead german in WWII and the gun was possibly used in police service prior to WWII. I will speak to her next week and get the whole story. Can anyone help me with an approx. production year? __________________ "Dyin' aint much of a livin', boy".

09-23-2005, 03:53 AM	#2
JimD User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I just realized there is no eagle over a crown. Could this be a military gun? __________________ "Dyin' aint much of a livin', boy".

09-23-2005, 09:32 AM	#5
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Jim, The proofing sounds like a DWM 1st issue military made in the 1908-1909 period. According to Jeff Noll's book, the B.M.S. indicates use by the Bavarian Military Gunnery School. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

09-23-2005, 11:09 AM	#6
JimD User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks, Tom. __________________ "Dyin' aint much of a livin', boy".

09-23-2005, 08:46 AM	#3
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,772 Thanked 2,527 Times in 786 Posts	Jim, I gave you a response in the Military Luger section.