Luger ID and info

valjeanvw · 12-08-2007, 09:14 PM

I'm a new member who's been searching the internet for information on Lugers. I found this site and was very impressed with its professionalism.
I'm trying to find out more about a Luger that I inherited. I've filled out the "Luger Identification Form" to the best of my ability. Here's what I think I know.
Toggle inscription is DWM. No chamber inscription of any kind. Toggle knobs are round and knurled. No grip safety. Has a stock lug. 7.65mm/.30 Luger caliber. Checkered walnut grips which seem to be in very good condition although checkering is a little less sharp in places where it was gripped.
Thumb safety is safe in rear position and marked "Gesichert". Proof mark #28 (from the proof mark ID list of this site) which I believe is a Nitro proof
(crown over N) . These are located on the barrel, receiver, and left edge of extractor. Serial number is 8539 with n suffix and stamped in full on barrel and frame. 39 is stamped on other external parts that I can see except the side plate is stamped 33. I assume it must have been replaced. Some parts that I think should be stamped have no stamp at all, such as the take down lever, trigger, mag., etc. Mag seems to be the nickel-tin type with a wooden plug marked "Germany". Barrel length as measured from throat to tip is 3-3/4". It has a milled front sight and fixed rear. I estimate the remaining bluing to be 90% and straw at 95%, although I'm not qualified to do so. The bore is bright and shiny with no rust or pitting and the lands look good.
From what I have determined, the Nitro mark means it is a commercial gun.
What I would like to know is the year of manufacture, approximate value, and anything else you can add.
I have not disassembled the gun to check for numbers on internal parts. It looked pretty complicated in your instructions.
I have not taken any photos yet but if they would help I will. THANKS !!

Edward Tinker · 12-08-2007, 10:05 PM

Val, welcome to the forum. I will move this to the New Collector area in a bit.

Pictures are essential to "guess" a value, although from your description it is a commercial luger, probably made around 1927-1929 era.

Commercial lugers are not marked in the "military" manner, but in a more hidden manner, aka as commerical manner of marking.

Ed

policeluger · 12-08-2007, 11:34 PM

Look on the bottom of lever/side plate, is there an SN there?

12-08-2007, 09:14 PM	#1
valjeanvw New User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Luger ID and info I'm a new member who's been searching the internet for information on Lugers. I found this site and was very impressed with its professionalism. I'm trying to find out more about a Luger that I inherited. I've filled out the "Luger Identification Form" to the best of my ability. Here's what I think I know. Toggle inscription is DWM. No chamber inscription of any kind. Toggle knobs are round and knurled. No grip safety. Has a stock lug. 7.65mm/.30 Luger caliber. Checkered walnut grips which seem to be in very good condition although checkering is a little less sharp in places where it was gripped. Thumb safety is safe in rear position and marked "Gesichert". Proof mark #28 (from the proof mark ID list of this site) which I believe is a Nitro proof (crown over N) . These are located on the barrel, receiver, and left edge of extractor. Serial number is 8539 with n suffix and stamped in full on barrel and frame. 39 is stamped on other external parts that I can see except the side plate is stamped 33. I assume it must have been replaced. Some parts that I think should be stamped have no stamp at all, such as the take down lever, trigger, mag., etc. Mag seems to be the nickel-tin type with a wooden plug marked "Germany". Barrel length as measured from throat to tip is 3-3/4". It has a milled front sight and fixed rear. I estimate the remaining bluing to be 90% and straw at 95%, although I'm not qualified to do so. The bore is bright and shiny with no rust or pitting and the lands look good. From what I have determined, the Nitro mark means it is a commercial gun. What I would like to know is the year of manufacture, approximate value, and anything else you can add. I have not disassembled the gun to check for numbers on internal parts. It looked pretty complicated in your instructions. I have not taken any photos yet but if they would help I will. THANKS !!

12-08-2007, 10:05 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Val, welcome to the forum. I will move this to the New Collector area in a bit. Pictures are essential to "guess" a value, although from your description it is a commercial luger, probably made around 1927-1929 era. Commercial lugers are not marked in the "military" manner, but in a more hidden manner, aka as commerical manner of marking. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-08-2007, 11:34 PM	#3
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Look on the bottom of lever/side plate, is there an SN there?