My new Swiss Luger, and questions...

[eagle7373]

Just got my second Luger (my first Swiss). It's a Bern 06/29 Commercial. Photos attached below.

It's beautiful. My first thought was "too beautiful... must be refinished" but I've since learned that Swiss Lugers were often arsenal refinished. However, in this case, it looks almost mint, like someone bought this, put it away, and never fired it. The bore is spotless, sharp and shiny. Wear is minimal to none.

Please note the photo of the SN on the left frame rail. And this is the basis of my first question. My understanding from what I can research is that the second batch of 06/29 Swiss commercial numbers went from 77942 to 78285 and they followed the 06/29 military SN range of 50001 to 77941. You can see my SN is 25 into the second commercial range. Photos I've seen of 06/29 military pistols have the W+F mark followed by the SN on the frame. Photos I've seen of the 06/29 commercials show no W+F mark, but a "P" followed by the SN on the frame. Note that mine is different. It has the W+F mark, SN, and "P." (as a suffix, not prefix).

I'm nervous when I see something unexpected. Has anyone seen this before? Maybe some of the pistols early in the second commercial series had already been marked with W+F (anticipating military production) when the decision was made to shift to commercial. Based on number spacing, it doesn't look like the "P" was added later (and beside the SN is squarely in the "known" commercial range. There would seem to me to be no advantage for "faking" this.

The next question is about the date of manufacture. My research says that the second commercial series was done in 1947. Yet, the takedown lever well on the frame is stamped with 10.46, indicated Oct 1946 production. Does this seem right?

Most small parts are marked on the inside by "CN+" (meaning "CN" followed by Swiss cross). The inside of the side plate is stamped with a Swiss cross and the last three digits of the SN, in exactly the same font as the frame and toggle. I have a detailed description of parts and numbers if anyone wants more than what you can see in photos.

My final question is about the import mark on the barrel. Please note the photo. It looks like just the word "IMPORT" and it almost looks like the Swiss cross was stamped on top of it. My understanding of GCA import mark requirements is that this mark would not be satisfactory as it must list who imported it. Could this be a Swiss mark indicating that this pistol was being made for export/import? Silly question, I know. But I'm puzzled.

[mrerick]

I believe that this Luger was made by Swiss W+F expressly for private sale. There are not many of these compared to the military pistols. It's rare and, considering the beautiful condition, I think it's very desirable. The "P" (which is part of the serial number, and a suffix letter) indicates it was intended for private / commercial sale. If it wasn't made for private sale, it may have been arsenal refurbished for commercial sale. The frame date would tend to indicate original manufacture for commercial sale.

It is exquisite and I doubt it's been messed with or refinished after leaving Bern.

I can't explain the "IMPORT" mark. Perhaps it was an early import after 1968 but before the marking rules were made explicit.

If more knowledgeable members don't chime in (and correct any errors I've made), I'll get out Bobba's book on the Swiss Lugers and look up more details.

Marc

[Sergio Natali]

Very nice gun.
Although I'm not that fond of W+F 1929 lugers, that "commercial" is pretty scarce, only 1917 of them were made in the elapsed time between 1938 and 1947.
I had one until not long ago when I decided to prune my collection.

[eagle7373]

Just realized I had the mag removed when taking my earlier photos. So for completeness, wanted to show the (like new) 06/29 mag that came with the pistol.