[Guest]

Hello again,

The Albany, NY Gun Show was as good as ever.

I purchased what I think is a 1920 Commercial Luger, in 7.65 cal. The luger has all matching numbers, except for the magazine but, no date stamp only the DWM mark, (see photos). I was told that the Luger was military because it had the letter “a” as a suffix (7596 a) followed by the word Germany, as per photo.

Can any one clear-up my confusion?

joel


Download Attachment: 1920 commercial.jpg
78 KB

 

[Edward Tinker]

Joel, I don't have my Weimar books with me, so can't comment too much, but it appears to be an "o" and not an "a" suffix.

http://www.lugerforum.com/Suffixes/Suffixes_files/page0005.htm

It could very well be a military from WW1 that was reworked and sold commercially.

The serial number appears "off-set"?

Ed

 

[Doubs]

It is definitely an "o" and not an "a". It is a new manufacture 1920 or Alphabet Luger and not a WW1 rework. Model 1920 commercial Lugers of the suffix letter series began with the letter "i" so an "a" is not possible. The commercial proof (upright C/N) and commercial placement of the serial number on the underside of the locking bolt and side plate are positive indicators of post-WW1 commercial manufacture.

 

[Guest]

Doubs,

You’re right, it is an “o”, and not “a”. I’m uploading a better picture of the suffix.

Also, it is a 7.65 cal. (30 Luger)


Joel


Download Attachment: Luger marking.jpg
144.18 KB

 

[ssilver]

Nice pistol Joel. I to enjoyed the Albany show. Are you Burton Construction? I worked a Logical Micros in the mid 90's and remember we had a client named Joel Burton.

Sean Silvernail

 

[Guest]

I have a friend with a Weimar Luger that has a serial number very close to the one shown. Caliber 7.65 mm. It has the "O" suffix. Has 95 mm. barrel, DWM on toggle and no identification inside grips. No military or police markings, making this a "pure" commercial unit. If I understand the serial numbering properly, "i" suffix started in 1920 and "O" suffix started 70,000 units later. During what year were the 0001-10,000-O serial number units manufactured?

This unit is all original, except for the magazine. No reblue. About 60% original finish. Very small pitting in a few places. Fair+ to good bore. I told him that he had a $800 retail gun. Am I off on this?

 

[RockinWR]

Robroy15,
* Per J. Still's Weimar...Lugers", Table 1b, Pg.15, the Alphabet DWM "o" block guns were produced approximately mid 1925 through the end of the first Quarter, 1926.

 

[Doubs]

"This unit is all original, except for the magazine. No reblue. About 60% original finish. Very small pitting in a few places. Fair+ to good bore. I told him that he had a $800 retail gun. Am I off on this?"

IMO, yes. I'd place value at $400 - $500 tops for the pistol in the condition you describe. However, much depends upon your location and it could be worth more or less where you live.