Help with Luger ID

jamese · 12-03-2008, 08:19 PM

Maybe one of you can help!

I recently ran accross what looks to be a DWM First Issue P08 numbered in the commercial style, blank chamber, with the Eagle and the two gothic letters on the left side. No stock lug or grip safety.

The front grip strap is marked G.M.G.A.I.22.
I think this would translate to: Garde Michine Gun Abteilung I gun number 22.

The strange thing about this gun it has a 6" barrel, with matching ser number and the gun is stamped "GERMANY" which I know is for export.

My only guess is that it was used as a military weapon and later the barrel changed and marked for export.

Any other thoughts or ideas , anyone seen a Luger of this type before ?

Jim

Heinz · 12-03-2008, 08:32 PM

Jim, is there any proofing on the barrel?
The frame sounds like an early DWM military P08. The lack of the hold open means it was not brought back in for rework, or was out of service by then with perhaps a barrel problem.

Obviously rebarreled at some point. My best guess would be one of the small shops operating in the early Weimar years, making Lugers from surplus parts. Very little is known about these other than they did exist. Many did excellent work, others, not so great.

The serial number would be useful as this is likely to show up rebarreled in 4 inch with its highly desirable unit marking and early provenance (unless you bought it of course)

jamese · 12-03-2008, 08:52 PM

Heinz,
I didn't buy it, I wanted to get a little input from you guys first. Its a little out of my price range right now anyway, but I would be happy to take a few pics if someone is really interested and let the buyer do thier own talking with the seller.

Jim

12-03-2008, 08:19 PM	#1
jamese User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 789 Thanks: 0 Thanked 84 Times in 34 Posts	Help with Luger ID Maybe one of you can help! I recently ran accross what looks to be a DWM First Issue P08 numbered in the commercial style, blank chamber, with the Eagle and the two gothic letters on the left side. No stock lug or grip safety. The front grip strap is marked G.M.G.A.I.22. I think this would translate to: Garde Michine Gun Abteilung I gun number 22. The strange thing about this gun it has a 6" barrel, with matching ser number and the gun is stamped "GERMANY" which I know is for export. My only guess is that it was used as a military weapon and later the barrel changed and marked for export. Any other thoughts or ideas , anyone seen a Luger of this type before ? Jim __________________ The "truth" is a matter of Perception

12-03-2008, 08:52 PM	#3
jamese User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 789 Thanks: 0 Thanked 84 Times in 34 Posts	Heinz, I didn't buy it, I wanted to get a little input from you guys first. Its a little out of my price range right now anyway, but I would be happy to take a few pics if someone is really interested and let the buyer do thier own talking with the seller. Jim __________________ The "truth" is a matter of Perception

12-03-2008, 08:32 PM	#2
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	Jim, is there any proofing on the barrel? The frame sounds like an early DWM military P08. The lack of the hold open means it was not brought back in for rework, or was out of service by then with perhaps a barrel problem. Obviously rebarreled at some point. My best guess would be one of the small shops operating in the early Weimar years, making Lugers from surplus parts. Very little is known about these other than they did exist. Many did excellent work, others, not so great. The serial number would be useful as this is likely to show up rebarreled in 4 inch with its highly desirable unit marking and early provenance (unless you bought it of course)