Expert: Paul Johnston - 6/6/2007

Question
I have a 1918 DWM Military. However it has police sear safety , has a metal base mag. numbered to the gun with # 1 on it.  I have checked this completely for any Arsenal rebuild proofs, there are none. It is not doubled dated. Did DWM make some police models before the war ended? This gun has about 95 % of its rust blueing remaining and is in fine shape.  Any thing you can tell me would be fine.   Thanks

Answer
I am not the premier expert on Lugers, as there are so many variations of them. I own two and love to shoot them! But, late in WWI they did change from the wood-based magazines to metal, and as it is numbered to the gun it is original I would assume. Just as in this country with M1's, 1911's, etc. they were rebuilt after the war, not necessarily being "totally" arsenal refurbished, hence lack of rebuild proofs. It would be normal for ant gun, needing a replacement part to be outfitted with what was on hand by the armorer the gun was brought to. I prefer the early DWM's to others, just because the logo on receiver top is pretty as hell! I believe a number were converted after the war to .30 Luger as per the Weimar Republic treaties, nothing was supposed to be built in the german military caliber of 9mm. Hope my info is of help, if I find out anything else I will forward. Thanks for your question. As I said initially I am not the premier expert on Lugers.