1910 DWM question

Aaron · 05-05-2004, 07:35 PM

I need some input in regard to a 1910 DWM. This example (9295c)is in absolutely fabulous 99% condition, all numbers match, finish is original, grips show no wear and are numbered and proofed to the pistol, etc. Internally there is no sign that this pistol has ever been fired. I have many Lugers with "mint" bores, but this one is so bright that it is the mintiest Luger bore I have ever seen. Finish is undoubtedly original, grip strap is unit marked "XXI.16." I question that a finer 1910 DWM exists. Here's the rub: The side plate is not numbered on the bottom edge, but the numbers are on the side as found in later years. The size and font of the side plate numbers match the rest of the pistol. The finish on the side plate is identical to the rest of the pistol. I have not examined many 1910 examples, but it appears that the sideplates are supposed to be numbered on the bottom edge. The photos I find in various reference books do not show numbering on the side of the side plates. However, in "The Luger Story" by John Walters, a 1910 DWM is depicted on page 132, serial 2695d, showing the side plate numbered on the side. Coincidentally, both side plates bear the number 95. Unfortunately, Walters also shows the take down lever numbered on the side, when it is normally found on the bottom. Can the side plate numbering be correct?

Ron Wood · 05-05-2004, 08:31 PM

I have a possible reply, but first a quick question; Does the Luger have a "hold-open"?

Aaron · 05-05-2004, 10:02 PM

Yes, Ron, it has an added hold open, properly proofed and numbered to the gun.

Ron Wood · 05-05-2004, 10:18 PM

There, in all probability, is your answer. Some time subsequent to 1911, your Luger was reworked to add the hold-open device. Since the side plate does not bear the serial numbers on the bottom as well as the side, for whatever reason it was replaced and the new side plate added with the military style numbering. This could have occurred at the same time as the hold-open modification, or at a later time.

Doug G. · 05-06-2004, 12:14 AM

Aaron, I agree with Ron, your side plate is a replacement.

While I don't have a 1910, I do have a 1911 DWM. It has the side plate number in the hidden position. Mine does have the hold open added and proofed.

Ron Wood · 05-06-2004, 12:23 AM

Given that the piece is as described, I do not think there are any sad faces (

)required. It sounds like it is period correct and representative of the era. Indeed, if it is as described, and if there are any doubts, I will write a check for $1000 plus shipping to buy it, and not even ask for change.

Aaron · 05-06-2004, 02:18 AM

Ron, I think you have hit the nail on the head. Your logic seems irrefutable. Amazing though, how the finish of the plate matches the rest of the pistol, and the font of the numbers as well.

John Sabato · 05-06-2004, 11:35 AM

So when do we get the see your photo essay of this remarkable 1910 Luger Aaron?

05-05-2004, 07:35 PM	#1
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	1910 DWM question I need some input in regard to a 1910 DWM. This example (9295c)is in absolutely fabulous 99% condition, all numbers match, finish is original, grips show no wear and are numbered and proofed to the pistol, etc. Internally there is no sign that this pistol has ever been fired. I have many Lugers with "mint" bores, but this one is so bright that it is the mintiest Luger bore I have ever seen. Finish is undoubtedly original, grip strap is unit marked "XXI.16." I question that a finer 1910 DWM exists. Here's the rub: The side plate is not numbered on the bottom edge, but the numbers are on the side as found in later years. The size and font of the side plate numbers match the rest of the pistol. The finish on the side plate is identical to the rest of the pistol. I have not examined many 1910 examples, but it appears that the sideplates are supposed to be numbered on the bottom edge. The photos I find in various reference books do not show numbering on the side of the side plates. However, in "The Luger Story" by John Walters, a 1910 DWM is depicted on page 132, serial 2695d, showing the side plate numbered on the side. Coincidentally, both side plates bear the number 95. Unfortunately, Walters also shows the take down lever numbered on the side, when it is normally found on the bottom. Can the side plate numbering be correct?

05-05-2004, 08:31 PM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,179 Times in 1,703 Posts	I have a possible reply, but first a quick question; Does the Luger have a "hold-open"? __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

05-05-2004, 10:18 PM	#4
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,179 Times in 1,703 Posts	There, in all probability, is your answer. Some time subsequent to 1911, your Luger was reworked to add the hold-open device. Since the side plate does not bear the serial numbers on the bottom as well as the side, for whatever reason it was replaced and the new side plate added with the military style numbering. This could have occurred at the same time as the hold-open modification, or at a later time. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

05-06-2004, 12:14 AM	#5
Doug G. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 713 Thanks: 1 Thanked 53 Times in 17 Posts	Aaron, I agree with Ron, your side plate is a replacement. While I don't have a 1910, I do have a 1911 DWM. It has the side plate number in the hidden position. Mine does have the hold open added and proofed. __________________ Suppose you were an idiot.....and suppose you were a member of Congress.....But I repeat myself" ~~ Mark Twain

05-06-2004, 12:23 AM	#6
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,179 Times in 1,703 Posts	Given that the piece is as described, I do not think there are any sad faces ( )required. It sounds like it is period correct and representative of the era. Indeed, if it is as described, and if there are any doubts, I will write a check for $1000 plus shipping to buy it, and not even ask for change. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

05-05-2004, 10:02 PM	#3
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Yes, Ron, it has an added hold open, properly proofed and numbered to the gun.

05-06-2004, 02:18 AM	#7
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Ron, I think you have hit the nail on the head. Your logic seems irrefutable. Amazing though, how the finish of the plate matches the rest of the pistol, and the font of the numbers as well.

05-06-2004, 11:35 AM	#8
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	So when do we get the see your photo essay of this remarkable 1910 Luger Aaron? __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*