Serial Numbers

MauserLugers · 07-08-2002, 11:09 PM

Hi,
I'd like to encourage all who post on the forum wanting help with a Luger to please include the full serial number. I do not know why it is such a big secret to not share it? It has three advantages in that it helps us know where it fits in a particular variation, helps us to know what is correct, and it is nice to be able to record the serial number for data information to determine when changes occurred or transitions took place. This is a two way deal. We gladly will share information, but it would be nice to get some information back also.

Edward Tinker · 07-08-2002, 11:38 PM

I have wondered about this also?

If it is a really rare piece, I guess they are afraid of it being copied?

Anyway, yes please give all the information possible.

thanks MauserLugers for bringing that up! [img]cool.gif[/img]

John Sabato · 07-09-2002, 01:38 PM

I agree completely Bill & Ed...

If the gun is legitimately yours, you have nothing to fear by posting the serial number...

I also notice that sometimes a member will post a partial serial number in their narrative portion of the post and then take pride in posting clear photos of the gun with the serial number showing... that always makes me laugh!

<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

bradsimpson · 07-13-2002, 08:29 PM

Guys,
The reason we delete the last 2 digits of the guns on our list is for our own protection. We used to list the full serial number. But we had a couple of times when guns were returned with parts in lesser condition.

We figured out that customers could order a gun of the same manufacture & last 2 digits as our gun, then exchange parts during the 3 day inspection period, then return it. What a great way to improve a ratty sideplate, takedown lever, etc. for just the price of shipping & handling. And how could we prove that they did it?

We put "xx" in the place of the last two digits of our guns to deter parts changers from shopping off our list. We are happy to give the full number to anyone who calls about a specific gun. If the gun is not leaving your posession, there is no harm in sharing the full serial number.

ToggleTop · 07-13-2002, 10:08 PM

Hello Brad,
That certainly makes sense to me. I have never seen it explained that way before.
Tell your Dad I said hello!

Jimbo · 07-14-2002, 05:58 AM

I am among those who like to keep the serial numbers of my handguns a "secret." Perhaps I am becoming paranoid what with the extremist nature of gun control here in California. Of course, California has had defacto registration for many years, and every handgun I have ever purchased has the serial number clearly noted on the form 4473. Still and all, I would rather make them work for it and rather not give the gun-grabbers any additional help.

That said, I can't see any harm in bending this hard and fast rule with respect to the few Lugers I own. As John so rightly pointed out, if and when I post pictures the serial numbers will be clearly visible enough.

As long as we are on the subject, I have a 1939 s/42, serial number 6294r. Jan Still's book shows the transition from 1939 s/42 to 1939 42 as being 6000r. My gun confirms this upper limit. But I wonder if anyone has been able to determine where in the 6000's for the r-block the s/42's ceased to be produced. It would be interesting to know.

wterrell · 07-14-2002, 02:16 PM

tacfoley,

Sounds like your gov't really serves the people. Why don't they just depopulate the island so that the politicians will have fewer civil problems?

07-08-2002, 11:09 PM	#1
MauserLugers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philipsburg, Montana 59858 Posts: 250 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Serial Numbers Hi, I'd like to encourage all who post on the forum wanting help with a Luger to please include the full serial number. I do not know why it is such a big secret to not share it? It has three advantages in that it helps us know where it fits in a particular variation, helps us to know what is correct, and it is nice to be able to record the serial number for data information to determine when changes occurred or transitions took place. This is a two way deal. We gladly will share information, but it would be nice to get some information back also.

07-08-2002, 11:38 PM	#2
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 have wondered about this also? If it is a really rare piece, I guess they are afraid of it being copied? Anyway, yes please give all the information possible. thanks MauserLugers for bringing that up! [img]cool.gif[/img] __________________ 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

07-09-2002, 01:38 PM	#3
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	I agree completely Bill & Ed... If the gun is legitimately yours, you have nothing to fear by posting the serial number... I also notice that sometimes a member will post a partial serial number in their narrative portion of the post and then take pride in posting clear photos of the gun with the serial number showing... that always makes me laugh! <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> __________________ 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..."*

07-13-2002, 10:08 PM	#5
ToggleTop User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: TN Posts: 297 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello Brad, That certainly makes sense to me. I have never seen it explained that way before. Tell your Dad I said hello! __________________ *********************** ToggleTop************* JustHappenToLoveLugers *************************

07-14-2002, 02:16 PM	#7
wterrell User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,096 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	tacfoley, Sounds like your gov't really serves the people. Why don't they just depopulate the island so that the politicians will have fewer civil problems? __________________ Noli me vocare, ego te vocabo, wes --------------------

07-13-2002, 08:29 PM	#4
bradsimpson User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Galesburg, IL Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 9 Posts	Guys, The reason we delete the last 2 digits of the guns on our list is for our own protection. We used to list the full serial number. But we had a couple of times when guns were returned with parts in lesser condition. We figured out that customers could order a gun of the same manufacture & last 2 digits as our gun, then exchange parts during the 3 day inspection period, then return it. What a great way to improve a ratty sideplate, takedown lever, etc. for just the price of shipping & handling. And how could we prove that they did it? We put "xx" in the place of the last two digits of our guns to deter parts changers from shopping off our list. We are happy to give the full number to anyone who calls about a specific gun. If the gun is not leaving your posession, there is no harm in sharing the full serial number.

07-14-2002, 05:58 AM	#6
Jimbo User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF CA Posts: 167 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am among those who like to keep the serial numbers of my handguns a "secret." Perhaps I am becoming paranoid what with the extremist nature of gun control here in California. Of course, California has had defacto registration for many years, and every handgun I have ever purchased has the serial number clearly noted on the form 4473. Still and all, I would rather make them work for it and rather not give the gun-grabbers any additional help. That said, I can't see any harm in bending this hard and fast rule with respect to the few Lugers I own. As John so rightly pointed out, if and when I post pictures the serial numbers will be clearly visible enough. As long as we are on the subject, I have a 1939 s/42, serial number 6294r. Jan Still's book shows the transition from 1939 s/42 to 1939 42 as being 6000r. My gun confirms this upper limit. But I wonder if anyone has been able to determine where in the 6000's for the r-block the s/42's ceased to be produced. It would be interesting to know.