Inherited this Luger. Would appreciate some info.

[Animal Cracker]

Hi, guys, I inherited this luger and was hoping someone would be willing to tell me exactly what I have. Such as year made, meaning of the markings, and possibly the value. I forgot to take pictures of the holster which has a swastika on it as well as some other markings. It also has a magazine in the holster. Thanks in advance.
-Steve

[Mac Cat]

Welcome, Steve !

Great pictures!

[G.T.]

Hi Steve, looks like a normal, but very nice condition 1920 commercial probably in .30 Luger rather than 9MM? Ball park value, $1300.00 to $1500.00... that's just on my scale, some will say more, some less... Nice gun.... best to you, til.....lat'r.....GT

[tomaustin]

check the barrel with a pencil....report back with what you find out.....

[Animal Cracker]

Thanks Mac, GT, and Tom.
It's actually a 9mm luger. The gun is at my brothers house right now and I'm trying to get him to send me pictures of the holster and magazine, there is also some sort of tool in the holster. I will upload those pics as soon as he sendsthem to me but he usually takes his sweet time. Thanks for all your helpful knowledge.
-Steve

[Ron Wood]

That is a beautiful gun! I seriously doubt it is 9mm...but I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time.
Ron

[MFC]

Hi Steve,
I agree with Ron. I'd bet it's a 30 cal. Looks like a very nice typical Alphabet commercial/1920 commercial, made in 1924. S#1238n, The lower case 'n' is part of the serial #. The 38 stamed on various parts are the last two digits of the S# showing it has matching parts. You would have to do a partial takedown to see if the trigger, breechblock and center toggle match, which it probably does, making it fully matched. The crown/n stamps are commercial firing proofs applied after it passed a test with over powered rounds.

[HerrKaiser]

Most importantly about his commercial gun, I do not see an import mark anywhere, which lends credence to the idea it was a war trophy. Any further provenance on it since you mention it as an inherited gun?

[Animal Cracker]

Ron and MFC, here are pictures of the magazine. The bottom is made of wood. There were actually bullets inside, they say 7.65. I guess I was wrong about it being 9mm. Thanks ALOT for the info.

[Animal Cracker]

HerrKaiser, I was told by my Dad that the holster was made after the gun was made and likely used during WW2 because of the holster. He thought it was possibly a WW1 era gun, but apparently it's from1924. That's really all I remember. Do you think it's a war trophy?

[mrerick]

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on inheriting a superb condition DWM Alphabet Commercial Luger from the mid 1920's.

You may find our forum FAQ PDF document useful for reference information. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of every page.

Do not store your Luger inside the holster, instead keep it separately to ensure the finish remains protected. I like using zipper "rug" style cases and silicone impregnated socks or "Bore Store" pouches.

Any specific questions?

[JONABI]

From Görtz & Sturgess: " 1921-1930 4 digit/suffix Commercial & Military, i-v suffixes including "Mauser assembled" pistols to 1500v 131400"
production 131400 between 1921-1930.

[gunnertwo]

Nice gun! I'll agree with the others, probably a 30 cal.

Welcome, great folks here.

G2

[Heinz]

The 30 is an interesting caliber. Luger originally chambered the parabellum for the 30. THe 9mm is the 30 with the case formed straight instead of bottleneck. The 30 moves out quickly and it is a wicked little round with hollow points. The post-war alphabet lugers are very well built. They are not as popular with collectors because they lack the appeal of Imperial weapons or Third Reich weapons. But there are those of us, myself included, who are big fans of these fine 30 cal weapons.

[MFC]

The correct mag for your Luger is like the one you have shown, with a blank wood bottom. One stamped GERMANY would also be correct.
If you decide to shoot it don't use this one as the wood can become brittle over time and can split. Buy a Megar aftermarket mag for shooting. Also, you shouldn't leave the original mag loaded. Give the spring and the wood a rest.

[spangy]

Welcome Steve ... that is one beautiful 30 you have there ... Wonderful heirloom and a definite 'keeper' ... I sure wouldn't sell it in case your thinking that way.

[Animal Cracker]

Thank you gentlemen. I'm glad I found this forum. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with me. This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to find. I also appreciate the advice on the proper way to store and maintain the gun so it can be enjoyed in the family for many years to come.
-Steve

[Animal Cracker]

Spangy, I agree with you it is a beautiful gun, and I have no intention of selling it.

[sprat]

I would not shoot it, I would clean it and place in the safe with a bore store, separate from the holster. Don't place the holster in plastic, don't treat it and let it breathe

[Edward Tinker]

Originally Posted by HerrKaiser

Most importantly about his commercial gun, I do not see an import mark anywhere, which lends credence to the idea it was a war trophy. Any further provenance on it since you mention it as an inherited gun?

EXCEPT - the exporting 'germany' was kinda dropped after WW2 - you don't see it on lugers, and later you see import marked lugers.

30 Luger were used by officers, some positions (Trains, guards, etc) and it - so it could have been brought home after the war, but not guaranteed. It could have come over in a large shipment of lugers in the 1950's / 1960's before that became harder. There are stories of barrels and barrels, used as ballast for the ships and then they brought back a load for europe (after the war).

Pencil trick is - normal #2 pistol and let it fall down the barrel, plenty of room, its a 9mm, tighter, than 7.65mm (30 luger).