How do you figure out what year your DWM Luger was made?

Answer 1

if you look down on pistol you should note a date over the chamber area. that is when it was made......................

OP:

If that is the case, then my pistol was made in 1601; around 300 years before the patent was awarded.

Then there is the 'f' at the end of that, which might denote June, it being the sixth month of the year.

I really don't think that is the answer, but thanks for your time.

The date of manf. for (most) lugers is directly over the chamber. Some exceptions as with letters 'byf' or letter 'G' or 'K'. I would greatly appreciate SEEING a 1601 over the chamber area of a luger . A luger COULD have the serial # 1601f, but that would be on the side or bottom of barrel. Are your sure it's a luger ????? A picture will tell.

OP:

The number and letter series is on the bottom of the barrel, under a crown with an "N" over it. I have checked over and over again and I cannot see anything marked over the chamber.

Yes, I am sure that it is a luger. I'll get a picture up when I can find time.

OP:

Did some more research and found out that I have a civilian luger. It has Germany stamped on the side IAW the import laws the U.S. had back in the early half of the 20th century. No book or person I have talked to can still point me in the right direction for it's date of manufacter, however Lugers like mine were made and imported in large quantities circa 1930 to help Germany pay off their World War 1 debt. Everything I have found concerning Lugers in any detail are concerned with the 9mm models, mine being a 7.65mm.

Also the marking below the 1601 is not an "f", but rather a "p" in the old German script.

I guess it is the best I can get right now.

Thanks for all your help internet.

Answer 2

If you look on top of the luger where the barrel is affixed to the receiver you will note four numbers. that is the date it was made.