1. Luger Serial Number Identification

Sep 07, 2010  I have a 1917 P08 Long Barrel German Luger (Monogram of DWM on gun) in good to fair condition with all matching serial numbers (5359 serial number).found it.

Lugers can vary widely and wildly in value depending on when it was made, what markings are on it and what condition its in. Unfortunately the information you provided isn't enough. You might want to ask the guys on but they will likely tell you the same thing. Lugers usually begin at a low of $600 and can easily climb to ten times that much! The smart dealers won't price something until they ask a local expert to come take a look at it. My LGS once asked me to come in and inspect an Ithaca M1911A1 for them. I ended up buying it.

Avoid the temptation to replace everything on your brand-new 1911 just to make it 'better'. Know what you're changing out and why. You may spend a lot of money fixing things that weren't broken to begin with. Shoot at least 500 rounds through it first, then decide what you don't like and want to improve. Regarding vintage 1911s, pre-1970 pistols are highly collectible in original, unaltered condition and should NEVER be refinished or modified as it completely ruins their monetary value. Other observations are that it has a stock lug on the backstrap at the bottom, also the word gesichert under the upper part of the safety, a 9mm bullet would not fit in the end of barrel at all, a.32 would fit somewhat so I think.30 cal?the barrel looked to be around 4 inches there are no other marks on this pistol at all, no import marks, dates nothing the finish is good but it needs to soak in oil the bore is really good and the magazine matches the gun, the #33 appears to be on all parts which I guess is because it's the last two digits of the serial number.

All of that being said I really like it, it is at a friend of mine pawn shop and they took it on a pawn and it was never picked up so they probally have very little in it, I am just trying to be informed. Thanks again for all the help. Mallard,You don't give a finish% and since you dont have photos, go to link below and guesstimate, I suppose. For anyone to give you a value would be a S.W.A.G. As it could range from $900-$3500+ depending on finish, condition, matching #, age (grip safety or not), grips, magazine numbered or no, magazine nickled, etc. Wood mag base should be WWI era or soon thereafter IIRC. Undated would be a commercial model I think.I'd pick a number somewhere between those 2 I listed and try like heck to dicker, but then again.

Just guessin' sight unseen. And guessin' ain't right.Good luck and let us know the end results. Four-digit serial with letter.

As noted, probably a post-WWI commercial model, of which there's a myriad of variations.On what basis is the shop going to evaluate your offer? That is, if they think it's worth $2000, would it matter that you were convinced it was worth only half that?If all of the parts match, it hasn't been 'heavily' refinished, and the bore looks good, it's probably worth in the neighborhood of $1000. I think matching parts is more important than the finish, but definitely add for original finish. And probably add for barrel longer than 4'.Maybe try to convince them it's worth less if it's a.30. Mine is a.30, I handload all my ammo, so ammo rarity/expense isn't an issue.30 brass isn't hard to find. Other observations are that it has a stock lug on the backstrap at the bottom, also the word gesichert under the upper part of the safety, a 9mm bullet would not fit in the end of barrel at all, a.32 would fit somewhat so I think.30 cal?the barrel looked to be around 4 inches there are no other marks on this pistol at all, no import marks, dates nothing the finish is good but it needs to soak in oil the bore is really good and the magazine matches the gun, the #33 appears to be on all parts which I guess is because it's the last two digits of the serial number.

Luger Serial Number Identification

All of that being said I really like it, it is at a friend of mine pawn shop and they took it on a pawn and it was never picked up so they probally have very little in it, I am just trying to be informed. Thanks again for all the help.It is a.30 Luger caliber. There will be a number stamped on the underside of the barrel next to the serial number with the micrometer reading of the barrel.An 'R' series DMW would be a 1927 or 1928 production date. Gesichert is German for 'Safe'. Look on the side of the chamber loaded indicator and it should say 'Geladen' on the left side.

Does this Luger have a sear safety and/or a small chip missing from the left grip at the top? If the serial numbers are on the undersde of the takedown lever and square plate on the left side, it was masde as a commercial model (i.e., NOT a military) and could have been used by a police unit as well. What amount of straw color is left on the trigger, takedown lever, safety??From what you have described this is a commercial DMW, which has not been defaced with import marks and should make a fine shooter. Value would be $900-$1200 assuming that finish is decent and overall mechanical comndition is VG or better.

However, since you know the owner of the pawn shop I would advise that you NEGOTIATE to get the best deal you can! A shooter Luger for a decent price is a great thing to enhance your collection, and is a rewarding day at the range or wherever you go plinking.

I've got a 1940 DWM Luger myself in mint condition and same serial# on everything and I paid around 900 bucks for mine.I would appraise the Luger in question at a 220-400 dollar range. 300-500 retail. Cryptic tv show quiz. It looks pretty beaten up.Here's mine btw:In person it does not look beaten up, I think it is actually in pretty decent shape and appears to me to be original finish, I do not know how much but I doubt that I can get it in the 220-400 range. Is yours refinished? The one I am looking at the safety, trigger and take down lever are not blued like yours, they are more of a silver finish. As best that I can tell from your description and the photos, this is a Post World War l DWM Commercial 30 Luger(7.65Para) caliber.

The majority of Commercial Lugers were 30 Luger with a 4in bbl. They are referred to as Alphabet Lugers due to the 4 digit serial numbers and the letter suffix.

They were produced in the 1920s.I am assuming that you have not broken the Luger down to check all of the numbered parts. The breechblock should also be numbered, and the firing pin should NOT be fluted.

The inside of the grips are usually not numbered on commercial models. The trigger, takedown bolt and side plate are numbered.Luger prices vary depending on the part of the country and the availability. In my part of the Country, that Luger should sell retail for $700-750.00. The commercial Lugers do not bring the price that the Military models bring.also, the 30 luger caliber bring less than a 9mm, due to availability and price of ammo. This could be a good shooter. I own an Alphabet luger and reload for it, so the price of ammo is not concern.