[m1903a3]

Sturgess (on page 639 of the Red Books) says that the Navy changed from their small 1.8mm size serial numbers on the barrel and front of the frame to the larger P.08 2.4mm size numbers mid way through the 1916 production.

However, the only 1916 he documented was a small number one. In my admittedly limited view I have seen no examples of 1916 P.04s with large numbers. I have, however, seen a couple of 1917's with small numbers, all under 1917 s/n 1000.

So, I would very much appreciate it if my fellow Navy lovers would contribute to the knowlege base by responding with the date (1916 or 1917), the serial number, and the size of the numbers (1.8 or 2.4) of any that fall in the range of 1916 #4623 - 1917 #1200.

So far I have (updated through 17 Jul 2016):


1916 354 1.8
1916 978 1.8
1916 2243 1.8
1916 3257 1.8
1916 4064 1.8
1916 4135 1.8
1916 4623 1.8
1916 5527 1.8
1916 6187 1.8

1917 615 1.8
1917 652 1.8
1917 756 1.8
1917 898 1.8
1917 1100 2.4
1917 1174 2.4
1917 3255 2.4
1917 5302 2.4
1917 5619 2.4
1917 6894 2.4
1917 8303 2.4
1917 648a 2.4
1917 3207a 2.4
1917 4015a 2.4

Thanks

 

[norme]

Hi Mike, I have: 1916 Navy #4064 (small), 1917 Navy #898 (small), and 1917 Navy #5302 (large).
Best regards, Norm

 

[taudelt]

Mike....

1916 Navy 354 small
1916 Navy 978 small
1917 Navy 5619 large

Will try and get data on two more 1917's that passed thru the bunker recently...

 

[Tim Hawkins]

Mike,
1916 Navy,#3257-small
1916 Navy,#5527-small

1917 Navy,#756-small
1917 Navy,#648a-large
1917 Navy,#3207a-large
1917 Navy,#4015a-large

Good luck! Tim

 

[tedmag]

Mike
1916 Navy 6187-small

Ted

 

[abzug]

Mike,
1916 2243 -small
1917 3255 -large

 

[m1903a3]

Thanks very much Norm, Dave, Tim, Ted & Adrian! I have updated the table in the Original Post.

The highest accepted 1916 on the Navy List is 7858. We have reached 6187, and so far not identified any large serial number 1916 dated P.04s. On the other hand, we have two small number 1917s, both under 1000. With the information at hand, it appears the change from 1.8mm to 2.4mm stamps occurred during 1917 production somewhere between 898 and 1174. Since that's only 275 numbers, it's a fairly small range.

There remains a gap of 1,671 numbers between the highest confirmed small 1916 (6187) and the highest accepted 1916. We may yet find one in that gap that is a large number, but until we do I have to think the change was in 1917 not 1916.

I hope we continue to get data points.

Keep the info coming, gentlemen.

Regards,

 

[taudelt]

1917 2976a has the 2.4 size numbers.

 

[bruv]

1917 633 a larger size.
Dave

 

[m1903a3]

1917 633 a larger size.
Dave

Do you have any other Lugers, Army or Navy, to compare it to?

Does your reply mean "663" is "a larger size" or "663a" is "larger size"? (if there is a small script "a" below the number, it's actually part of the serial number)

I would expect "663" to be small (1.8mm) and "663a" to be large (2.4mm).

 

[m1903a3]

Navy collectors

How about some more data? I added some to the list above, but I'd like to see more data. Especially for s/ns close to 1000 in 1917.

Thanks

 

[m1903a3]

Updated the post again. It's pretty clear that all 1916 P.04s are small serial numbers.

The 1917s seem to have changed around s/n 1000.

Still looking for additional early 1917s to fill in the gap.

 

[bruv]

Sorry, I just saw this. The serial number is 633 a and I think I was answering whether it is a larger script or smaller script.
Dave

 

[DickMcEvoy]

Being primarily an '06 collector, I have a token '17, #4315a on Norm's list with the expected large size. Good luck in your hunt this New Year.

 

[gunnertwo]

Navy Font Size

Here are pics of my two 1917 Navies, 989 and 1059 a. Thanks.

G2

 

[norme]

Hi Greg,
Your #989 with small numbers closes the gap a little, #1885 is the lowest numbered gun known with large numbers.
Regards, Norm

 

[gunnertwo]

Norm has been of great help to me with the purchases of my two Navy's this last year. I was beginning to think I'd never have one, serendipity occurred and I now have two.
I wanted to give my thanks publicly.

G2

 

[mooney]

No help for your list, but, #2946a, large numbers

 

[p08man]

S/N 505(no letter). 1916 date small numbers, hidden style. North sea mkd.

 

[AL]

just saw this online...not sure f you have it...1560a

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...y-luger-very-sharp-.cfm?gun_id=101413133#lg-5

thanks al