[Luke]

Recently became interested in this particular variation and have a couple of questions for which I hope someone can provide answers.

According to "Imperial Lugers" the 1908 DWM Commercial Army was built with a holdopen and not retrofit as some of the earlier Lugers were. If this gun, manufactured in late 1913 and early 1914, was assembled from 1908 commercial stock, why was the holdopen already built in?

Another possibility: Were these made from late 1913 DWM frames which had not yet been routed to the military or commercial end points of the production process? If so, why would they be classified "1908."

Would very much appreciate any comments on this subject.

ALSO . . . would really like to communicate with someone who actually owns one of these guns.

Thanks for your help.
Luke

 

[Jan C Still]

Luke
A few 1908 Commercials were manufactured with the hold open. I would guess that a decision made at the time of manufacture would determine if a Luger was made with a hold open or not.

The commercial serial range, lack of grip safety and stock lug, short frame and 4 inch 9mm barrel, etc. determine if a Luger is a 1908 Commercial.

If you have any additional questions please contact me.
Jan Phone 907-364-3406

Below is some information on the 1908 Commercial Army

1908 DWM COMMERCIAL ARMY:
* 1908 COMM. ARMY AND 1914 HOLSTER Jan C Still (1908 Comm. Army, sn 69911, 1914 holster K.R.6.)
---------- http://www.gunboards.com/luger/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1280
* 1908 DWM, COMM. ARMY, R.I.R.72 M.G. Jan C Still (1908 Comm. Army, sn 70149, R.I.R.72.M.G.11)
------- http://www.gunboards.com/luger/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=914
* A real commercia1908 triple C/X [email protected] jcoe (1908 Comm. Army. sn 69457, mm; 72050)
------- http://www.gunboards.com/luger/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=835

 

[Luke]

Thanks, Jan.

I read the three strings noted above, and I very much appreciate your offer to discuss further. I'll try to get my thoughts organized and get back.

Regards,
Luke