Interesting Luger Find Pictures Up

[albayo]

I was over at a friends house the other night and he produced an interesting Luger with Naval markings but no date or military proof marks. I figured it was Merchant Marine because of the markings.

M
Anchor
N.436​

I found some information in one of my reference books "World of Lugers Proof Marks" Page 193, number 123 A to G
On Page 396 lists current numbers on grip straps
It lists "Serial Numbers for 1920 Weimar Reworks with Fleet Numbers N.
They list Fleet number N-606, gun serial # 9835 S, this gun is N-436, Serial # 98XX S.
The serial numbers are extremely close.

 

[ChiliDawg]

There should be proofs all over the gun unless it's been scrubbed.

Need pics for a better ID

 

[squirreltron]

I'm jealous of your friend!

 

[albayo]

Next time I am over I will ask if I can take pictures of the gun.

According to the info I found the 1920 Commercial Lugers were "Manufactured or reworked by DWM or lesser firms, for commercial sale in Germany and at large. As many were made up from whatever type of military Luger was available, and from surplus used parts. Nearly any type of barrel length, caliber, safety and sight combination is possible".
More found in "Lugers at Random" by Charles Kenyon Jr. Page 180 First printing November, 1969.

In "The Luger Book", by John Walter pg 157 (vii) He mentions the M over an anchor is the property mark of the Reichsmarine used during the Weimar Republic on grip-straps, holsters, shoulder-stocks, and magazine pouches. Several variant punches are known, often being accompanied by inventory numbers. Examples found on page 158.

 

[albayo]

Luger Pictures Up