M2 Portuguese

bulldog645 · 07-08-2010, 12:48 AM

Greeting: I am new to the forum and an excited novice concerning Lugers. I just acquired by inheritance a M2 number 430 cal 7.65. All other external numbers seem to check. The magazine has the small triangle within a circle on the wooden bottom and appears to be original to the pistol. I know that it was brought back from Europe in 1945 and has remained within the family since then. To my knowledge, it has never been fired since we have possessed it.

The David Eash chart has proved to be most helpful. It appears to be 430/5000 of the 1909 Army batch. Are there any other markings that can verify such? On the underside of the barrel is the same triangle within a circle symbol as on the magazine and the number 430 but no other barrel proof markings. The frame on the left side above the take down lever and on the rear of the frame has this same mark. All other numbers are either 430 or 30. It has the M2 crest and DWM markings. There is a small chip on the left grip below the base of the safety which I understand is fairly normal for Lugers.

Any info to help verify what I think I have will be most appreciated. I would post pictures but I am not computer savy enough to do so.

I have enjoyed surfing the forum. Knowledge here is awesome.

Bob

Ron Wood · 07-08-2010, 01:40 AM

Really not much more info needed. Your gun sounds exactly correct...it is 1909 Army contract piece. Your correct magazine is a nice plus. They are a bit more scarce than the gun itself. Remarkable that it has remained in your family since 1945! Glad you ended up with it. Sorry to hear you can't post photos. What would be your estimate of the condition?
Thanks
Ron

bulldog645 · 07-08-2010, 04:05 AM

Thanks for the prompt response. I will try to have my son in Dallas take pictures when he is home next and post them.

Pistol is in excellent condition. No pits, rust or apparent buff marks. Grips excellent except for small chip on left grip under the safety. This was my GF's pistol passed on to my dad and then recently to me. I am surprised to learn that the mag is worth as much as the weapon itself. Amazing.

Edward Tinker · 07-08-2010, 08:00 AM

I moved this to its own thread.

Look forward to seeing pictures.

Ed

PS: Mag being less common doesn't equal more value

07-08-2010, 12:48 AM	#1
bulldog645 New User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pampa, Texas USA Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	M2 Portuguese Greeting: I am new to the forum and an excited novice concerning Lugers. I just acquired by inheritance a M2 number 430 cal 7.65. All other external numbers seem to check. The magazine has the small triangle within a circle on the wooden bottom and appears to be original to the pistol. I know that it was brought back from Europe in 1945 and has remained within the family since then. To my knowledge, it has never been fired since we have possessed it. The David Eash chart has proved to be most helpful. It appears to be 430/5000 of the 1909 Army batch. Are there any other markings that can verify such? On the underside of the barrel is the same triangle within a circle symbol as on the magazine and the number 430 but no other barrel proof markings. The frame on the left side above the take down lever and on the rear of the frame has this same mark. All other numbers are either 430 or 30. It has the M2 crest and DWM markings. There is a small chip on the left grip below the base of the safety which I understand is fairly normal for Lugers. Any info to help verify what I think I have will be most appreciated. I would post pictures but I am not computer savy enough to do so. I have enjoyed surfing the forum. Knowledge here is awesome. Bob Last edited by bulldog645; 07-29-2010 at 08:37 AM. Reason: caliber description error

07-08-2010, 01:40 AM	#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	Really not much more info needed. Your gun sounds exactly correct...it is 1909 Army contract piece. Your correct magazine is a nice plus. They are a bit more scarce than the gun itself. Remarkable that it has remained in your family since 1945! Glad you ended up with it. Sorry to hear you can't post photos. What would be your estimate of the condition? Thanks Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-08-2010, 04:05 AM	#3
bulldog645 New User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pampa, Texas USA Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Portugese Luger Thanks for the prompt response. I will try to have my son in Dallas take pictures when he is home next and post them. Pistol is in excellent condition. No pits, rust or apparent buff marks. Grips excellent except for small chip on left grip under the safety. This was my GF's pistol passed on to my dad and then recently to me. I am surprised to learn that the mag is worth as much as the weapon itself. Amazing.

07-08-2010, 08:00 AM	#4
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	I moved this to its own thread. Look forward to seeing pictures. Ed PS: Mag being less common doesn't equal more value __________________ 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