My Imperial Navy Luger

[Daniel Murphy]

Since things are slow, I decided to post my nice condition 1st issue (altered) Navy luger. This gun was made circa 1907. I will discuss why it is altered later. I have had it for a few years and it is one of my prized possesions. Here it is in it's 1914 pattern holster. Instead of a slot and stud fastener, the 1914 pattern has a strap and buckle to secure the flap.

Dan Murphy

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

On the back are belt loops instead of a holder for the stock and shoulder strap. It is in rather rough shape but it has protected the gun very well.

[Daniel Murphy]

Under the flap are the makers marks and the year of issue.

[Daniel Murphy]

Now to the meat of the subject.

[Daniel Murphy]

The other side.

[Daniel Murphy]

Close up of the proof and acceptance marks.

[Daniel Murphy]

The serial number without a letter suffix. It is all matching.

[Daniel Murphy]

These early Lugers are serial numbered in the commercial style, which means the serial numbers are mostly hidden on the small parts. Not like the later military style.

[Daniel Murphy]

The magazine has has been renumbered to match at the arsenel. This was done by milling off the original non-matching number and restamping a number to match. When this was done they removed the Crown/M proof mark.

[Daniel Murphy]

Top view, notice the adjustable 100/200 meter sight.

[Daniel Murphy]

Backstrap showing the grip safety and the rear toggle serial. It is not unit marked.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Close up of the handstamped new safety marking with the original white paint in the letters.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Now we need to disassemble it to see the rest of the numbers and crown Ms. Here is the barrel and receiver numbers.

[Daniel Murphy]

Underside of toggle assembly showing the forward toggle number.

[Daniel Murphy]

Serial on the breechblock.

[Daniel Murphy]

Crown M on the other side.

[Daniel Murphy]

Serial # on the trigger.

[Daniel Murphy]

The modified safety showing where the old safety marking was milled out and serial #.

[Daniel Murphy]

Underside of grips with serial number. Note the special cut out for the grip safety.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

More Crown Ms, sideplate.

.

[Daniel Murphy]

More Crown Ms, frame. Well boys and girls, this concludes our lesson on German precision and attention to detail for today.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[Firefly]

Very nice.......

[Douglas Jr.]

Dan,

I would like to congratulate you for such nice rig. The Navy is, by far, the rarest military Imperial Luger and neatest. The holster is the second model, which was modified to allow its use directly in the waist belt.

Amazing stuff.

Douglas.

[Bob Hunter]

Splendid example. It has it all. I guess the only thing you could wish for is a property mark. Is the loading tool marked?

[Daniel Murphy]

Bob,

I acquired the gun and holster at the Allentown PA show. Unfortunately, they showed up at two different times. I never expected a holster to show up on its lonesome, so I jumped on it thinking I would never find another. It was completely empty though, no tool, no rod. I have a early civvy tool with it and am always on the lookout for an original rod and tool, when I go to a show. I also have a 1916 dated naval double magazine pouch and one spare non matching navy mag. Kind of like that old Johnny Cash song "I got it one piece at a time...", but what he got was free.

Dan Murphy