[Dave Baird]

Hello. Looking for my first luger. I prefer WW2, but prices are pretty high. What is a DWM 1918-Police? I know it was made around the end of WW1. Could it have anything to do with WW2? The praticular one I am eyeing-up has no import marks or "Germany" marks. It's in pretty nice shape with 2 matching wood base mags and grips. I have Axis Pistols, Whittington's volumes, and other WW2 books, but nothing on lugers yet. Any help? Thanks in advance. Dave

 

[Edward Tinker]

Lots of help, especially if you do a search on DWM 1918, right here on the board. Yes, 1918's were used in WW2, but by still being in service. Many guns were used after ww1, then in the weimar period, then in WW2.

2 Matching mags is very unusual, not impossible, but unusual. If the price is high, check the mags VERY carefully, as many fakes are out there.

And a DWM is the manufacturer and 1918, obviously is the year of production.

Ed

 

[Ron Smith]

Dave, A DWM police is a pistol used by the Weimar police at the end WWI. Is it a double date[1918/1920]? It should have a sear safety[small flat doglegged bar riveted to the left top of the cannon that rests on the side plate. The top front tip of the left grip may have a notch cut out for a magazine safety. If the mag safety mechanism is still present, grab the gun. It i$ rare to find them still present. Also remove the side plate. There should be a hole drilled in the frame to accommodate the mag safety.

As Ed said be sure to check the mags very closely. It is way rare to have two matching mags. And they should be stamped 1 and 2 above or below the ser#s respectively.

An all matching 90%+ Police should sell for $800-$1000. If the mags are legit? Add $300-$400 roughly. If it's unit marked on the grip strap? That's a plus to some collectors.

Hope this helps, Ron

 

[Edward Tinker]

good catch ron, read it and didn't catch the police part.

Dave, this is what I collect, if it is a "police" then it was used through the weimar and then if it has a sear safety by the nazi's...

Ed

 

[Dave Baird]

Thanks for the info, fellas. HIYA RON! That's very helpful. Two matched mags almost 90 years old does sound pretty rare, but I do know the seller and he has always been very honest with me. I did think the price a little high, but it does sound like a nice piece. He did say it had a sear safety, but didn't mention a double date. He does sell lugers and I'm sure would know about a mag safety, plus, I never have that kind of luck! Would this have been a military accepted weapon in 1918? Anything else I should ask him? TY!! Dave

 

[Edward Tinker]

yes on military accepted weapon, which I think I said before ~~grinning~~

The police guns seem to be more common in having two matching mags, have two myself, and recently sold a 1918 that had two matching mags...

Some people will say that 2-matching mags doubles the price...

Ed