[Dwight Gruber]

Was shown an Artillery Luger at the Portland gun show today with very odd characteristics.

To all appearances it was a completely normal 1918 LP-08 in the c serial number range. Not mint, but in pretty good shape, average wear, no pitting, holdopen no match. So far so good.

On closer inspection, this Luger got out of the factory with no proofs of any kind. There are no inspectors' stamps on the right receiver, no power proofs on the receiver or the breechblock or the barrel.

Has anyone seen the like, any thoughts?

--Dwight

 

[lugerlou]

Dwight

Would the term sneak apply to an LP08.

 

[Dwight Gruber]

James,

Thats what the owner thought. I opine otherwise. The first receiver mark, hardening, is the third stamp applied, along with the receiver date, and before the serial numbers. This is before the parts are selected for a whole gun. The second mark, pistol finished, is applied along with the serial numbers (Görtz & Bryans).

All the other marking--serial numbers--and finishing of this gun are as-normal. A true "sneak" without proofs (a term which I am not sure means the same thing to different people) would certainly not be seria;-numbered.

--Dwight

 

[lugerlou]

Dwight

Well in that case have you considered a Weimar rework by a private shop, one that would take the risk to not conform to the treaty of versailles.