Identification Help on DWM .30 caliber Luger?

mm6mm6 · 10-01-2010, 12:37 PM

My dad bought this Luger many years ago and made a box to hold it. I'd really like to know which model it is and the approx year it was produced. I've tried to figure it out but I can't even get past the letter code for the serial number.

It's a DWM .30 caliber with two plain wood bottom magazines.

Thanks in advance for your help!

It's in terrific shape with a mint condition bore. I took it out shooting a couple months ago and fired it on 8" steel plates. Everyone else wanted to shoot it too. I shoot everything I have and my dad was the same way. It was then immediately and carefully cleaned and oiled and is now back in its case....

Click on the below photo to see the video.

markbritt · 10-01-2010, 03:12 PM

Hi:

While I am not the top export (or even the top 50 here -haha), your luger is a Commercial. This is noted by the GERMANY export stamp as well as the serial numbers on the small parts being stamped on the bottoms (trigger plate, safety, etc) instead of on the side as miliary ones do. It is also my understanding that the Crown-N proof is indicitive of export Commercial lugers. As for the year, I will let the DWM experts work on that one.

Mark

mrerick · 10-01-2010, 07:38 PM

Hi,

I think that you're looking at a partially stamped "o" cursive letter "O" on the frame.

That should put your commercially proofed Luger in the 1924 period. There is a better stamped Alphabet Commercial photographed here.

These were made in the early to mid 1920s for export. Many were brought into the USA. I believe that your Luger was from around 1923 to 1924, which puts it well before the Nazi era.

There is a rather thorough discussion of Commercial Weimar period Lugers here.

You've got a good looking gun. Usually when the straw is that uniform, and the little pin that holds the axle pin in the middle of the toggle is blued, it means that the gun was refinished at some point.

Commercial magazines were not stamped with serial numbers so unmarked nickle plated magazines would be correct for this gun.

Your dad did a magnificent job of workmanship on that Luger case.

All in all enjoy this Luger!

Marc

Edward Tinker · 10-02-2010, 04:50 AM

My first impression is that it has not been reblued, but the lack of machining marks on the left and a bit more, make me beleive that it was, however, since it was done so well, probably a rearsenalled piece for resale in the USA?

Its value would not be affected much, as it is a very nice looking commericial gun and not worth as much as a military (that said, its value is probably $800-$1000??)

Look inside, i.e. take it apart and see if it is blued on the inside, I bet it is shiney bright...

Ed

artmccann · 10-02-2010, 08:38 AM

As a new member I would add when taking it apart to use care and do not use force to remove a part. Use extreme caution with the grips, they will chip or break easily, especially the left around the safety, I think that is right.
Nice looking rig and great display case. Your dad did great and I hope your plans are to preserve it for the future.

Aaron · 10-02-2010, 02:16 PM

Your dad did a beautiful job on the case. My only suggestion is that you remove the Nazi insignia, as it has nothing to do with this pistol and would mislead anyone you show it to.

10-01-2010, 12:37 PM	#1
mm6mm6 New User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Identification Help on DWM .30 caliber Luger? My dad bought this Luger many years ago and made a box to hold it. I'd really like to know which model it is and the approx year it was produced. I've tried to figure it out but I can't even get past the letter code for the serial number. It's a DWM .30 caliber with two plain wood bottom magazines. Thanks in advance for your help! It's in terrific shape with a mint condition bore. I took it out shooting a couple months ago and fired it on 8" steel plates. Everyone else wanted to shoot it too. I shoot everything I have and my dad was the same way. It was then immediately and carefully cleaned and oiled and is now back in its case.... Click on the below photo to see the video.

10-01-2010, 07:38 PM	#3
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Hi, I think that you're looking at a partially stamped "o" cursive letter "O" on the frame. That should put your commercially proofed Luger in the 1924 period. There is a better stamped Alphabet Commercial photographed here. These were made in the early to mid 1920s for export. Many were brought into the USA. I believe that your Luger was from around 1923 to 1924, which puts it well before the Nazi era. There is a rather thorough discussion of Commercial Weimar period Lugers here. You've got a good looking gun. Usually when the straw is that uniform, and the little pin that holds the axle pin in the middle of the toggle is blued, it means that the gun was refinished at some point. Commercial magazines were not stamped with serial numbers so unmarked nickle plated magazines would be correct for this gun. Your dad did a magnificent job of workmanship on that Luger case. All in all enjoy this Luger! Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-02-2010, 04:50 AM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	My first impression is that it has not been reblued, but the lack of machining marks on the left and a bit more, make me beleive that it was, however, since it was done so well, probably a rearsenalled piece for resale in the USA? Its value would not be affected much, as it is a very nice looking commericial gun and not worth as much as a military (that said, its value is probably $800-$1000??) Look inside, i.e. take it apart and see if it is blued on the inside, I bet it is shiney bright... 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

10-01-2010, 03:12 PM	#2
markbritt User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 240 Thanks: 5 Thanked 48 Times in 22 Posts	Hi: While I am not the top export (or even the top 50 here -haha), your luger is a Commercial. This is noted by the GERMANY export stamp as well as the serial numbers on the small parts being stamped on the bottoms (trigger plate, safety, etc) instead of on the side as miliary ones do. It is also my understanding that the Crown-N proof is indicitive of export Commercial lugers. As for the year, I will let the DWM experts work on that one. Mark

10-02-2010, 08:38 AM	#5
artmccann User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	As a new member I would add when taking it apart to use care and do not use force to remove a part. Use extreme caution with the grips, they will chip or break easily, especially the left around the safety, I think that is right. Nice looking rig and great display case. Your dad did great and I hope your plans are to preserve it for the future.

10-02-2010, 02:16 PM	#6
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Your dad did a beautiful job on the case. My only suggestion is that you remove the Nazi insignia, as it has nothing to do with this pistol and would mislead anyone you show it to.