Help with P08 question

[bsweeney]

I own a DWM P08 that has a letter V stamped right before the serial number also it has an area right side of gun that would have been proofed ground off. Was this gun captured and then this done to it?

[Daniel Murphy]

DWM P08. Which type 1908, 1914, 1920, 1930? What nationality? A little more info is needed and a photo or two would help.

Dan

[bsweeney]

I don't have to much to add I am unable to give you a nationality because the only proof marks I think there were, were ground off Tupe is marked 1920 DWM all matching but for the cam bearing.

[Daniel Murphy]

The only thing I can think of is that it is a Weimar army issue actually made in 1920 ( not just restamped)that had weimar eagle proofs. Perhaps it was a Russian capture and thinking they were nazi marks the proofs were ground. I assume it has not been left in the raw after grinding, so it has probably been reblued as well. If so, is it that Russian blue black finish all over ? Russia is the only country I can think of that would have done this. Most of the captured lugers and mausers coming out of Russia have the nazi proofs defaced in some manner. Apparently they did not bother with the imperial proof marks though. I have a Russian Captured DWM Luger dated 1915 and none of the markings were defaced. It does have a sunburst (police?) mark on it, is mismatched and reblued. I use it at my reenactments and save the good ones the wear and tear.

Dan Murphy

[bsweeney]

I does not have Russian refinish, it's more like a well worn original finish with a very certain area by the barrell on the frame right side where obvious grinding took place (they left that raw). Another point of interest it fires beautifully. But what of the V stamped before the serial number any thoughts on this. Also shouldnt there be some other proof I can't find any.

Edited August 24, 2006 by bsweeney