Old Luger With Grip Safety

[msmp5]

I've got a couple DWM Lugers but only one has a grip safety. Was this an after-market modification? A mod for police or some other specialized unit/purpose? A "factory" thing for a certain of generation Lugers? It looks like a very early serial number, 3xx. Anyone know approx date of manufacture? Also, I don't see any other numbers on the gun - other than the serial number - as typically found on other Lugers I've seen. (I admittedly know very little about Lugers.) If anyone knows about Lugers with grip safeties, I'd appreciate any info. Also curious as to what it might be worth.

 

[hso]

https://www.lugerforums.com/threads/luger-1906-american-eagle-grip-safety-clip-spring.117047/

 

[msmp5]

https://www.lugerforums.com/threads/luger-1906-american-eagle-grip-safety-clip-spring.117047/

That's some interesting stuff on the mechanics of the Luger grip safety ..... and it seems to be discussing it on the 1906 American Eagle Luger. I'm hoping to find out some more info on the historical background of early serial number DWM Lugers with grip safeties.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Pretty sure the Swiss specified grip safeties for some of their Luger contracts too.

Some interwar police reworks added sideplate and/or magazine safeties as well.

 

[Jim Watson]

Most Lugers had grip safeties until the 1908 Army series.

 

[msmp5]

Does anyone know what the approx date of manufacture of this one might be? It's marked DWM, with a three digit serial number: 3xx.

 

[drk1]

Congrats on your luger! If you want to see about "price," check out either GB's past auctions where they have actually sold (not just asking price) and simpsonltd.com. Simpson is very pricey, but you they have great photos and more than one with which you can compare. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kp321]

I’m no expert on Lugers but have been studying them for 65 years! I didn’t see any numbers on the small parts of your pistol, is it matching or a put together? The grip frame looks like a Swiss model, grip safety and no stock lug but the upper is later. The Swiss models were 1906 pattern which had dished toggle knobs, yours has 1908 style toggles. There are possibly other variations that I am not aware of, maybe a real expert will chime in. Meanwhile could you post more pictures showing numbers?

 

[msmp5]

Hi Kp321 ...... Unlike other Lugers I’ve seen, there are no discernible numbers on the gun except the 3xx serial number on the front of the frame. The only other marking is a small B in a circle, on the left side of the gun, just aft of the barrel. See pics. Anyone with any idea what this is, info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

Look for the number on the bottom edge of the takedown lever and the bottom edge and inside of the side plate. Commercial numbering plan put them out of plain view.

Search does not show me anything about the (circle) B.

 

[msmp5]

Jim Watson ….. The number 51 is on the bottom of the takedown lever. Does that provide any clue?

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes. If the xx in Secret Serial Number 3xx is not 51 it is a replacement part if not a sign of a parts gun per Kp.

 

[msmp5]

Yup, the xx in the serial number is not 51 ...... so it is some sort of a parts gun. Makes sense. Odd that there are no numbers on the toggle near the DWM; or the "sideplate" (I think that is what it is called); or anywhere else. Maybe polished off and re-blued? Any idea what a "parts gun" like this might be worth?

 

[Kp321]

Thanks for posting the additional pictures. The side plate looks buffed but I have never seen the B stamp that remains. I have close to $700 in my “parts” Luger, didn’t mean to spend that much but couldn’t quit mid build. Your pistol looks better than mine although it is a very good shooter. If your barrel is good, it should bring $750+. If someone is trying to restore a Swiss pistol the price could be much higher.