Mystery Luger

mr.109 · 04-30-2008, 10:36 PM

I have in my possession a Luger that was possibly used in 3 different regimes by the markings & features on this gun. Here is what I have: The Luger is a 4" 9mm DWM with a double date of 1920 over 1918. The lower front grip-strap is stamped with the following: 10.18. The 10 is 1/8" and the 18 is 3/32". All numbers match on this Luger except for the grips, barrel and magazine. These 3 items are NOT original to the gun and are Nazi marked as follows:

BARREL: Only markings on barrel are Ku test fire proof; 655 acceptance mark and the number '64' on top of front sight base.

GRIPS: Both panels are stamped with the 655 acceptance mark; right panel has the letter 'V' stamped and the left panel has the number '42' stamped into it.

MAGAZINE: It is blued with the black plastic base and is stamped with FXO, P08 and the 37 proof.

The gun is 85% finish overall and even the barrel, grips & magazine shows wear consistent with this. I am mystified by the 10.18. stampings on the front grip strap and the 64 on the front sight. Is this a WWI then a Weimar and then a Nazi issue Luger? What is the value of this gun? Any comments or insights regarding this Luger would be greatly appreciated!

Edward Tinker · 05-01-2008, 12:34 AM

Welcome to the forum Tom.

Sounds like a Weimar unit marking.

Many lugers made it through the three era's, WW1, Weimar and then Nazi.

ed

Ron Smith · 05-01-2008, 10:19 AM

Hi Tom,

Without seeing a photo, I believe that the 10.18 is a Weimar Reichswehr provisional mark, or a Stab (staff) mark.

Provisional marks were added to show which Regiment the pistol belonged to prior to it's being issued to a company or detachment.

As in 10th Regiment weapon #18. When it was issued to the company. The company designator would be stamped on it. For example... 4. / J.R. 10. 18., for 4th Company / Infantry Regiment 10. weapon #18.

If it's a Stab "Staff" mark. It would be left as is for use by the command staff( clerks, communications people, etc.) as the need arises. I would think that yours is a "Stab" marked luger since it was never issued to a company or detachment.

Stab pistols usually exibit a better overall finish due to lack of use. However, yours was obviously re-issued and could have had considerable use from WWI , Weimar and through WWII.

It gets confusing at times. Hope I made this clear enough?

Welcome to the forum.

Ron

05-01-2008, 12:34 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Welcome to the forum Tom. Sounds like a Weimar unit marking. Many lugers made it through the three era's, WW1, Weimar and then Nazi. ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

05-01-2008, 10:19 AM	#3
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi Tom, Without seeing a photo, I believe that the 10.18 is a Weimar Reichswehr provisional mark, or a Stab (staff) mark. Provisional marks were added to show which Regiment the pistol belonged to prior to it's being issued to a company or detachment. As in 10th Regiment weapon #18. When it was issued to the company. The company designator would be stamped on it. For example... 4. / J.R. 10. 18., for 4th Company / Infantry Regiment 10. weapon #18. If it's a Stab "Staff" mark. It would be left as is for use by the command staff( clerks, communications people, etc.) as the need arises. I would think that yours is a "Stab" marked luger since it was never issued to a company or detachment. Stab pistols usually exibit a better overall finish due to lack of use. However, yours was obviously re-issued and could have had considerable use from WWI , Weimar and through WWII. It gets confusing at times. Hope I made this clear enough? Welcome to the forum. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-30-2008, 10:36 PM	#1
mr.109 User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Mystery Luger I have in my possession a Luger that was possibly used in 3 different regimes by the markings & features on this gun. Here is what I have: The Luger is a 4" 9mm DWM with a double date of 1920 over 1918. The lower front grip-strap is stamped with the following: 10.18. The 10 is 1/8" and the 18 is 3/32". All numbers match on this Luger except for the grips, barrel and magazine. These 3 items are NOT original to the gun and are Nazi marked as follows: BARREL: Only markings on barrel are Ku test fire proof; 655 acceptance mark and the number '64' on top of front sight base. GRIPS: Both panels are stamped with the 655 acceptance mark; right panel has the letter 'V' stamped and the left panel has the number '42' stamped into it. MAGAZINE: It is blued with the black plastic base and is stamped with FXO, P08 and the 37 proof. The gun is 85% finish overall and even the barrel, grips & magazine shows wear consistent with this. I am mystified by the 10.18. stampings on the front grip strap and the 64 on the front sight. Is this a WWI then a Weimar and then a Nazi issue Luger? What is the value of this gun? Any comments or insights regarding this Luger would be greatly appreciated!