Each model and variation listed includes pricing information, proof marks, and detailed attributes on one single page in a handy, user. The encyclopedia of the borchardt and borchardtluger. Also note the firing proof is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from vertical this changes to vertical on the 1937 dated lugers. This standard short barrel pistol was issued to a horse artillery unit prior to the first world war. I by costanzo, sam and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. As far as proof marks, theyre not on the toggle as jd says. World of lugers costanzo proof marks 1977 rare up for auction is world of lugers proof marks by ralph costanzo. My reference book the standard catalog of luger by aarron davis, page 103 shows the eagle with ptv over it. They are often found in combination with proofmarks, and still more frequently on unproved arms made in countries where no official proof was existent. Each model and variation includes pricing information, proof marks, and detailed attributes in a handy, userfriendly format.
Not all german wwii small arms have proof marks, but most except for those early ssexcepted firearms will have waffenamts. Here is a decision tree approach to classifying all of them. In4 22,5 x 28,5 cm, relie, 432 pages, ouvrage en anglais english book reliure cartonnage rouge, premier plat orne dun macaron dore or en relief. The wwii german navy obtained their pistols through the army. World of lugers proof marks complete listing of different. Looking over a newly acquired luger for a friend, we found what appears to be british proof marks. I have searched through my little book by aarron davis titled the luger handbook. From what i could find on the net, they are proofs that the british government put on all handguns that go through the country. The pistole parabellumor parabellumpistole pistol parabellum, commonly known as just. To the best of our knowledge, all the examples shown are original pre1945 manufacture. The encirclement of british proof marks, according to the rules of proof of 1925, indicates firearms of foreign manufacture. Proof marks complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger 1977, mayfield heights ohiousa, editions chez lauteur format. Collectors who spend enough time around european firearms will often notice that the guns are littered with a variety of odd markings, letters, and other stamps that seem like some sort of. The pistols of germany and her allies in two world wars, vol.
This is according to costanzos world of luger proof marks book page 414. Proof marks, date codes, and german firearms the bulk of the proof stamps on this walther ppks. The book of the pistol and revolver is also available to purchase in print it is unfortunate from the point of view of history that weapons were not marked with a date letter as is customary with silver hallmarks, but the proofmarks stamped upon arms give no indication of the period of proof. The crown inspection stamp may possibly be the letter o in fraktur font but not sure if that letter was ever used for inspections. Army and other security corps are reported to the police. Sam costanzo is the author of world of lugers proof marks 0. There are two stick wing eagle proof marks with the number 63 underneath and two eagle swastika proof marks. German police unit marks, 19201937 old military markings. Many years ago i bought a dwm artillery luger with 1915 chamber date. This luger is a toggle locked, recoil operated, semiautomatic pistol that is chambered in 9mm parabellum. These range from practical to academic, and aim at both pastors and church members. The picture on the left shows us 4 proof marks or waffenamtweapons office stamps. Serial numbers were often repeated on thousands of luger pistols. This book contains english translations of the actual regulations issued by the german authorities from the imperial and weimar eras, and is an.
Luger markings identification help axis history forum. The prior owners ownership stamps appear on the title page and the inside back cover. Numerous artillery holsters are covered including a reichsrevolver type that i was unaware of. It is fed by a single column 8 round detachable box magazine but it can also be fed by using a 32 round detachable drum. Proof markscomparing the proof marks on your gun to this chart may help you determine where and when your gun was made, including guns where no other markings are evident. Reproduction of symbols and makers marks from every model of luger for use in accurately identifying the hundreds of luger variations.
Nov 05, 2017 i have searched through my little book by aarron davis titled the luger handbook. The toggle and breechchamber markings are the manufacturer and year markings, not proof marks. This is one of the classic books that all serious luger collectors or enthusists should have on their shelf. We have provided you with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information that we have found on this subject. Standard catalog of luger by aarron davis nook book ebook.
One of the most difficult aspects of buying and selling lugers is their almost legendary number of variations. Some of the known simpson markings on the pistol are the e6 on the toggle, and the crowbc proof, which indicates acceptance of an out of spec item. We have provided you with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information. Books world of lugers proof marks c43167 united states. It utilizes an adjustable front blade sight and a fixed v notch rear sight located on the rear link. Site focused on the artillery luger pistol and mauser parabellum made after wwii. Need help with 1915 artillery luger with no proof marks. Original grips are finely cut diamond shaped checkering made from walnut or. Luger proofacceptance mark identification guide 18981945 this is one of a series of identification guides for small arms. Armourers marks are quite distinct from proofmarks, and comprise the private marks, ciphers, stamps, or signatures of the individual armourers or gunsmiths. Judging from the proof marks found on the main parts of this luger, it appears to have been assembled with parts of a similar luger model from around the world war one time period. The post 1970 mauser parabellum is also often referred as interarms luger or interarms parabellum. Everyone needs one erfurt in their collection just to study proof marks.
Luger pistol dedicated site site dedie au pistolet luger. Serial numbers of lugers issued to german agents in the united states, 191916, vol. This encirclement was used until february 1, 1955, when the rules of proof of 1954 went into effect, and standard british proof marks were applied to firearms of foreign manufacture. Complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger costanzo, sam on. The dwm german military production production figures, by models and periods naval lugers standard military lugers lugers long artillery model the dwm luger s markings commercial and military. Information courtesy of the blue book of gun values by s. I found the crown over m is a german navy proof and the crown over n is a german commercial proof. I can find no proof marks anywhere on the gun, and if they have been ground off, it sure isnt obvious. Complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger sam costanzo. The finish is rust blue with nitre blue and straw small parts. Since this luger has been reassembled from parts from at least two different lugers, it will be interesting and a challenge to learn the history behind this pistol. Book world of lugers proof marks for sale at gunauction. Each model and variation listed includes pricing information, proof marks, and detailed attributes on one single page in a handy, userfriendly format.
Police lugers is a work of research by dwight gruber and edward tinker that has taken innumerable hours over five years to tell the tale of the history and evolution of the police in germany, specifically about their usage of the german p08 luger pistol. Standard catalog of luger by aarron davis nook book. The manufacturers mark, production year, letter following or below the serial number and proof marks help narrow down the identity of a specific luger model. This all matching s42 coded luger was manufactured by mauser in 1939. This book contains english translations of the actual regulations issued by the german authorities from the imperial and weimar eras, and is an invaluable source of information about the often. World of lugers proof marks volume i complete listing of. Books world of lugers proof marks complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger. This book captures the intriguing nature and reality of this mysticwarrior society and provides a fascinating account of medieval religious campaigns and the political interests that shaped them. Self published in 1977 this book covers the various proof marks found on lugers. World of lugers proof marks complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger. Erfurt military, dwm military, red 9, unit marked r. How to identify a german luger 761b gone outdoors your. A very rare luger variant that is referenced in world of lugers, proof marks by costanzo.
The twelve gifts of birth by charlene a costanzo, good book. Complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger. The germany on the receiver indicates that it was a commercial model. Luger proofacceptance mark identification guide 18981945. There is something on the barrel just in front of those proof marks and up on the side of the toggle that appear to be erfurts inspector proof mark so i am guessing that it is an erfurt. Pick up this book and in seconds you can name the very luger model in your hands. They have all the normal acceptance and proof marks of the army p.
Proof marks comparing the proof marks on your gun to this chart may help you determine where and when your gun was made, including guns where no other markings are evident. I dont think they would be together on the same gun. The pistol was originally a wwi luger, dated 1916, and was reworked somewhere between 19231935. The left side of the barrel extension, underside of the barrel and front of the frame are marked with the standard crownmn commercial proof marks.
The property mark is preceded by an o for ostee baltic sea or n for nordsee north sea fleets. I by costanzo, sam and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles. Complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger hardcover 1977 by sam costanzo author see all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. More than 1,000 detailed photos and line illustrations demonstrating design and performance of luger pistols. The book was a bit aspirational for me i wanted to collect lugers but never got beyond 1 or 2. World of lugers and was of the pioneer collectors of the luger. Heres a decision tree approach to classifying all of them.
I discovered the lack of proof marks while researching whether or not a flat board artillery stock could be fitted under the atf c. A few early french control pistols bear a fivepointed star proof mark known to. At this time, we ask you to call and speak to a salesman to purchase firearms. Excellent hardcover book with illustrations on luger proof marks. World of lugers proof marks volume i by sam costanzo this is an excellent reference guide for luger pistols. Please help identify the markings on this luger discussion in the. You need to identify all of these marks to help determine the identity of a german luger 761b or any other luger model. I by costanzo, sam and a great selection of related books. The luger or parabellum pistol is perhaps one of the. Be sure to describe all proof marks as fully and carefully as possible i. It does have the german military proof marks on the right side of the frame. There are three periods in the german proof system, divided into two countries. Laid in loose is a pamphlet by the author on third reich lugers collecting and price guide. World of lugers proof marks volume i complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger sam.
The primary purpose of this website is to gather as much factual information into one area hence the book we wrote, using previous studies, new data and factfinding information such as serial number research, comparing proofs, placement of serial numbers, company. The front sight is standard inverted v and the rear is a standard fixed dovetail inverted v blade mounted on the toggle. We do this to assure you are getting the firearm you want, by describing condition to you in person. And two world war and the development of firearms over the time, so one shall not be to surprised that the proof in germany is a bit difficult to get a grip on. May be together with private makers marks and stamps. The nature of the witness marks made me question in my own mind the authenticity of the barrels on some of my collection, and i corresponded with other collectors to explore the topica feeling of misgiving, without particular direction.
The next level of fakes includes pieces that have a mark or two added to an otherwise authentic pistol, in order to increase their value. Welcome thank you for visiting our online listing of manufacturers identifying marks, referred to more commonly as proof marks, arsenal or inspector marks. Army and other security corps are reported to the police headquarters, even though such reporting is not required by the national laws. Feb 20, 2008 proof marks are marks that show the gun has passed its proof test that is, the gun is strong enough to withstand the chamber pressures its designed for. The following information comes from the book of the pistol and revolver by hugh b. Each model and variation includes pricing information, proof marks and detailed attributes in a handy, userfriendly format. The barrel is not serialized which is correct according to kenyons book lugers at random page 282, which states that the barrels are found with and without serial number. This is an apolitical forum for discussions on the axis nations and related topics hosted by the axis history factbook in cooperation with christian ankerstjernes panzerworld and christoph awenders ww2 day by day. This book was published by sam costanzo a few years prior to its major work, world of lugers proof marks.
This is a basic collectors gun that has all the study proofs you could ask for. The primary purpose of this website is to gather as much factual information into one area hence the book we wrote, using previous studies, new data and factfinding information such as serial number research, comparing proofs, placement of serial numbers, company name on the toggle and placement of proofs and usage of proofs. Manufacturing data and model rarity information to aid collectors when buying lugers as an investment. Complete listing of different variations of proof marks on the luger by costanzo, sam. Luger proof acceptance mark identification guide 18981945 this is one of a series of identification guides for small arms. Lugers at random by charles kenyon lugers at random has long been considered the top reference book on luger pistols by collectors and researchers alike. It is described as berlin police armory acceptance stamp. Normally plaved between viewmark and definitive proof mark. On this page youll find all the books 9marks has produced. The following tables list the base forms for police unit marks found in german small arms markings from authentic sources by j. Probably asked and answered numerous times but doing a search i did not come up with an answer. Luger identification form there are approximately 3,000 known variations of luger parabellum pistols please answer all questions on this form completely to help identify your particular specimen. Now anyone can identify any of the legendary luger variations using a simple decision tree.
The army test proof was applied to the right receiver, the barrel and left breechblock. Waffenamts are german wwii military acceptance stamps. The forth eagle proof mark is hard to see in the picture and is about an inch to the right of the first grouping and located on the barrel. The luger is well known from its use by germans during world war i and. He kept meticulous records of serial numbers, proof marks and has been the reference book. The russian lugers the portuguese lugers the bolivian lugers the brasilian lugers the mexican lugers the french commercial lugers. Over several months i closely examined the barrels of my own lugers. Apr 17, 2009 the next level of fakes includes pieces that have a mark or two added to an otherwise authentic pistol, in order to increase their value.
Nazi ss, sa, kriegsmarine and k marks are classic examples of valueenhancing marks which get faked. If you collect on the rarity fringes where a mark or two makes a big price difference, look closely. Feb 06, 2012 if anyone can help me identify a commercial luger early undated dwm luger 4 9mm pistol i would greatly appreciate it, i have owned and severl p08 lugers but never as nice as this one, it is about 98 percent, excellant bore, grips, has stock lug, undated, dwm toggel all numbers matching inner and out, have shot it function great, mags are wood bottoms,unmarked, crown n on left side,right. Note two eagle over 63 inspection marks, and the droop wing firing proof on the barrel extension and barrel. Proofmarks are unique and allow definite identification and tracing of the country of import. Above you can see the unit marking on the holster the right side of the receiver displays all the imperial army acceptance stamps.