Yet another "My first Luger" Thread

crazyXgerman · 04-26-2007, 04:00 AM

Howdy!

I recently bought my first Luger, and while researching it I came across this forum which looks like a great resource.

Today I picked it up (10-day wait - yay California!) and the first thing I did is take it completely apart down to the last bolt and spring for a thorough cleaning because it was caked in cosmoline.

Disassembly was a lot of fun. I really enjoy discovering the mechanics of a new (to me) pistol or rifle, completely tearing it apart, analyzing the pieces, and then putting them back together.

I am curious about a few things. On first glance, numbers seem to match:

Serial number 3723 on barrel, frame, and action.

On top of the action the DWM logo and double-dated 1920:

Here's where it gets interesting. On top of the extractor and next to the DWM logo are two-digit numbers that have been crossed/marked out.

More weirdness on the left side:

Two-digit number on the locking plate marked out, and a 23 hand engraved. Also, mismatching number on the locking lever.

When taking it apart, I found yet more pieces with a two-digit number that has been erased:

See trigger, bolt stop, safety sear, ...

... extractor, and trigger bar.

From what I read (and please correct me if this is wrong), I was under the impression that this is a commercial 1920 Luger. However, only Military Lugers had the two-digit numbers on all the pieces, not commercial ones.

Lastly, it has the following marking on the right side of the action:

And the following on the bottom of the barrel:

The top line reads Luger P08 9mm Germany.

The bottom line reads CAI ST ALB VT.

Any idea what those letters mean?

The pistol is mechanically in excellent condition. The bluing is excellent on the action, good on the grip but with some pitting.

I'm not an expert but I think it may have been reblued.

So, what is the general opinion about this piece? I was born and raised in Germany but now live in California. I have always wanted a Luger because it is such an interesting pistol and a piece of history, so I am pretty excited about adding this to my collection.

I'd love some input about some of the markings and the numbering to help me understand more about its origin and value.

Appreciate your comments.

Regards,

Alex

04-26-2007, 04:00 AM	#1
crazyXgerman New User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yet another "My first Luger" Thread Howdy! I recently bought my first Luger, and while researching it I came across this forum which looks like a great resource. Today I picked it up (10-day wait - yay California!) and the first thing I did is take it completely apart down to the last bolt and spring for a thorough cleaning because it was caked in cosmoline. Disassembly was a lot of fun. I really enjoy discovering the mechanics of a new (to me) pistol or rifle, completely tearing it apart, analyzing the pieces, and then putting them back together. I am curious about a few things. On first glance, numbers seem to match: Serial number 3723 on barrel, frame, and action. On top of the action the DWM logo and double-dated 1920: Here's where it gets interesting. On top of the extractor and next to the DWM logo are two-digit numbers that have been crossed/marked out. More weirdness on the left side: Two-digit number on the locking plate marked out, and a 23 hand engraved. Also, mismatching number on the locking lever. When taking it apart, I found yet more pieces with a two-digit number that has been erased: See trigger, bolt stop, safety sear, ... ... extractor, and trigger bar. From what I read (and please correct me if this is wrong), I was under the impression that this is a commercial 1920 Luger. However, only Military Lugers had the two-digit numbers on all the pieces, not commercial ones. Lastly, it has the following marking on the right side of the action: And the following on the bottom of the barrel: The top line reads Luger P08 9mm Germany. The bottom line reads CAI ST ALB VT. Any idea what those letters mean? The pistol is mechanically in excellent condition. The bluing is excellent on the action, good on the grip but with some pitting. I'm not an expert but I think it may have been reblued. So, what is the general opinion about this piece? I was born and raised in Germany but now live in California. I have always wanted a Luger because it is such an interesting pistol and a piece of history, so I am pretty excited about adding this to my collection. I'd love some input about some of the markings and the numbering to help me understand more about its origin and value. Appreciate your comments. Regards, Alex