1939 DMW Luger questions/comments

[trigger753]

If anyone could tell me anything about this pistol I would appreciate it. My interests are pretty much limited to U.S. service rifles. I am interested in buying it but a little knowledge is a sure recipe for disaster. For example the grips. The individual selling it is clearing out his collection at fire sale prices. All I have are the pictures here. Thanks.

 

[56hawk]

Well, I'm not a Luger expert but I do have some thoughts. First off I don't think DWM was making Lugers in 1939. It's probably a Mauser with a DWM toggle. If you notice the numbers don't match. Also I'm really skeptical about those grips. If it was a real SS Luger it should have the deaths head stamp on the barrel. I've also never heard of SS grips. If it's not too expensive though I'd get it anyway. It's still a real WWII Luger.

 

[wojownik]

My guess is that this is a Russian capture p.08 that was completely reblued (note the trigger is not the usual straw color), and mixmastered along the way. The XX over the original serial numbers for force matching of the toggle and the sideplate (trigger plate) may also be a clue to Soviet rearsenaling. The matching mag is a plus. Any import markings on this?

Those grips are just ... needing to be removed.

 

[rcmodel]

It's far from being right, or collectable!

Unless you just want a Luger shooter, and you can test it to see if it works before buying it?

Run, don't walk away!!

rc

 

[wojownik]

It might not be "right" or collectible, but if the price is right it could make for a shooter. Just so long as it is mechanically OK, and the bore is not all shot out.

How much does the seller want for it?

If the seller thinks he has a collectible, then yeah, you might have to walk away...

 

[Jim Watson]

I think wojo has it, either Soviet capture or Vopo (East German) rework.
Simpson has one very similar, a DWM toggle on a 1937 dated upper receiver, renumbered, and with the same sort of plastic "bullseye" grip.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...17843&osCsid=15b1ac08e1e93989bb34de9298aad15e

It is listed as "on hold" so somebody is fixing to pay $950 for it, but I think that amounts to full retail, they are not a cheap store.

The SS badge on the left grip is pure fakery, though; a sign of either an outright cheat or a neonazi (or both) in its history. If it can be removed, it should be removed. If not, reproductions are available.

 

[wojownik]

I was thinking VoPo as well, but the XX markings are strike me as being more Soviet, and the bastardized grips (East German looking) could have added as a lame attempt to do something with the pistol.

FWIW, about 18 months ago RGuns had a batch of p.08s for sale - priced from $600-900 depending on condition - with original finish, grips and mags.

About a dozen years ago (wow, time flies) I paid somewhere between $450-500 for a dipped blue p.08, all-matching except (big exception) for the toggle. That was then, this is now, and even a cold dipped Vopo/Russkie mix-master as pictured above has some value, at least as a shooter.

 

[Holland&Holland]

WWII pistols eliminated the heat straw colored extractor, for the most part simply hot dipped blue as the rest of the pistol. The DWM toggle is incorrect, as this would be from a WWI era or inter-war era. DWM, or "Deutsches Waffen und Munitionsfabriken" was absorbed or bought by Mauser prior to WWII IIRC. Overstamped serials on the side plate and elsewhere indicate a "re-arsenal" process somewhere. Not a collector's item, just a shooter, and yes, REPLACE THAT GRIP!

 

[Jim K]

The grips are pure fake, made up by someone to interest those who are fascinated by any connection to the infamous thugs of the Schutzstaffel.

I distrust the magazine number; it looks like the original number was removed and the "matching" one put on. Also, second (holster) mags of that period should have a plus sign (+), not the number 2. I doubt the receiver serial as well; the font doesn't look right, and the numbers should be aligned properly.

A parts Luger with a lot of fakery added; if the price is right ($700-800) it would be OK as a shooter; more than that, it is a good piece to walk away from.

Jim

 

[Dr.Rob]

$800 is a high retail top end. If he's offering this for $4-500 it's worth it.