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luger with no markings

3249 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  scottgv, 
G
I purchased a Luger from an individual purported to be a bring back. There are no numbers or markings at all on it at all. It's a 9mm, Safety marked 'Gesichert' and Gelaeden on the loaded indicator. I'd give it about 90% blue and straw. No stock lug, no grip safety, 4" bbl. On the right side there are grind marks where the proofs would be, but the plum finish is very even over them. I'm not up on 'police safety' etc, but it will fire w/o the mag in it. I've heard the term "Sneak" I'd appreciate any info. BTW shoots great!
thanks George Scott

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G
George,
The Berlin National Library (Staatsbibliothek) has a useful collection of Ludwig Loewe Company documents. Loewe was one of the first to attempt the introduction of North American production methods, aiming to improve quality and increase output. Previously, foremen had been hired, who in turn employed groups of workers on piece rates. Changing this system led to increased labour unrest and, after WWI, strikes led to layoffs. Workers looted the factory and a substantial part of the production was pilfered by employees who had not been paid. These weaons are probably responsible for a large proportion of the „sneak“ and unmarked Lugers.

Patrick
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Luke
villiers -

From the original posting by George:

"On the right side there are grind marks where the proofs would be,"

To me, this is the most interesting comment in the original post. If the proofs have been ground off it seems this fact would imply that the gun was not one of the weapons assembled from looted parts. I could certainly be mistaken, but one would assume that a receiver stolen before assembly and testing would not have proofs.

If I am missing something, and that is often the case, would you please comment on this.

George -

This is an unusual specimen. Could you post more pictures?

Thanks,
Luke
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During the aftermath of WWI, workers´ committees effectively controlled most of the industry in Berlin (and elsewhere in Germany). Wages were not paid. It was up to groups of workers to make and sell whatever they could. At around this time Georg Luger died and was buried in a pauper´s grave in Rahnsdorf, on the outskirts of Berlin. A large number of Lugers were made out of pilfered and re-worked parts and sold illegally.

Patrick
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Luke
Villiers -

Thank you for the additional comment.

George -

You stated that the Luger has "no numbers or markings" implying that this gun has no serial number on the frame. I am not a lawyer, but I have been advised that owning a handgun with no serial number can create a legal problem.

Luke
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quote:Originally posted by Luke

Villiers -

Thank you for the additional comment.

George -

You stated that the Luger has "no numbers or markings" implying that this gun has no serial number on the frame. I am not a lawyer, but I have been advised that owning a handgun with no serial number can create a legal problem.

Luke
Click to expand...
Someone gave you bad advice... in the US serial numbers were not required on guns made prior to the GCA of 1968 nor are they required on home made firearms... REMOVAL of an existing serial number, however, can lead to legal headaches.
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G
I don't know if anyone would monitor a thread this old, but after the second post I put the luger in question back in the safe and decided I didn't need that kind of problem. My research and talking with a cop or two seems to confirm if the gun was made before '67 and never had a number on it that there is no violation.

If anyone is still interested I can take some pix. v/r George
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