Need help dating my DWM

[stewartb]

I've had this DWM Luger for several years now and the Luger book I have wasn't very helpful in dating it. I'm curious if it is a wartime contract for WW1. I'd also like to know a definite on the regiment marking on the front strap. Thank you in advance for your help

 

[bruce98k]

can you post up an image of the top of the chamber?

 

[stewartb]

can you post up an image of the top of the chamber?

I will when I get home from Work this afternoon. Any other pics needed to help ID?
Thank you

 

[Peter S]

Does it have matching numbers?

 

[Philip]

It was delivered to the German military around June 1909. The undated 1st issues can be more precisely dated (serial number and delivery schedule) than any other military Luger over the 35 year period! Kind of ironic.

 

[bayoned]

Very nice very early piece!

 

[stewartb]

Peter S yes it is an all matching gun with the exception of the mag. Here are some more photos of the gun. So is this a 1909 manufactured piece? And any ideas of the unit marking? Grenadier regiment 5 or guard regiment 5?

 

[Philip]

Yes made in 1909, delivered around June of 09. This was in the first 10,000 Lugers delivered under contract after the adoption of the P.08 by the German army. The marking I’m not 100% sure but I could sort it out in some time. The regiment is a reserve regiment and I believe either Guard or Grenadier (but not guard grenadier as that is GG) but the 5 is probably the weapon number given the small size of the stamp not a regiment number. So the implication is there was only one guard reserve regiment or grenadier reserve regiment……I need to verify if either is the case. Basically it went to a reserve infantry regiment which plenty of these 1909 deliveries did.

 

[Philip]

Grips and firing pin were not numbered and some other parts that normally numbered on later guns were unnumbered as well. If you are very familiar with Lugers you will notice that the fit and finish on these early ones are over the top. At a glance it may not be obvious but on a close look and feel of the internals it smacks you in the head.

 

[RyanE]

Unit mark is possibly Garde-Reserve-Regiment, Stab, Waffen Nr.5.

Very cool Luger!

 

[stewartb]

Thank you guys for your help. I really appreciate the knowledge shared.