A mystery Artillery luger

[hymers]

Hi folks. I have an artillery luger that is somewhat of a mystery to me. Ser. No. is 8520 and is matching save the trigger (65) and side plate latch (35). The only proof is a "crown N" on the left side of the barrel/receiver assy at the breach. "Germany" in small letters is struck above the side plate latch, on the barrel/receiver next to the crown N, on the center link on the center toggle, and on the top of the rear toggle link. There is no date above the breach and no makers stamp on the center toggle link. Does anybody have any idea what I may have here? Thanks

[taudelt]

hymers... Welcome to the Forum. Any chance of posting some pictures??? Based on the info it sounds like a gun that has been put together from various parts... How long is the barrel ??

[hymers]

Dear Taudelt, The Barrel is 8" with tangent sights. The bore is excellent--smooth with no pitting at all. I argee that is most likely a "made up" piece especially considering the absence of any markings on the mid link and no date on the breach. What puzzles me is: 1) the "GERMANY" import markings. As I recollect, the import regulations were changed in 1917 and all imports were required to read "MADE IN...". So was this a pre 1917 import and if so why the several mixed parts and no manufacturers markings? 2) The piece has a uniform finish on all parts with wear in the usual places--muzzle, latch plate, etc. so my guess is that who and wherever the piece was assembled it was done some time ago but I'm somewhat puzzeled as to why.
I'll work on getting some photos to you---Ansel Adams I am not! Thanks for your reply. Jim

[Edward_Tinker]

well, actually you see germany and made in germany

usually in lugers you see just "germany" and its an export marking by germany for the USA market.

Many civilian made lugers were sold to the USA and could come in many, many lenghts.

What do you mean by tangent sights?


ed

[airkiss7]

I'm certainly not a Luger expert, but the term "Tangent Sight" I've always associated with an adjustable rear sight like those found on an Arty Luger, a Broomhandle, Browning Hi-Power etc... . Something to do with a geometry term relating to the angles of a triangle... . I've also heard them called " Ladder Sights " in some circles. All this from memory so ?? Best Regards! Joe

[Douglas_Jr]

The "crown N" is a commercial proof. It is tough to say anything without the pictures but I think that it is a commercial pistol sold in the US market right after WWI.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Douglas

[hymers]

Hey guys I' got some pictures and have tried to up-load them to my album, unfortunately it didn't work-something about a security button?? Anyway, if there's something I've overlooked in the process and you guys can explain it to me like I'm a 4-year old I' appreciate it.
Anyway, I agree that it is likely a "commercial" artillery imported to the US

[dtw]

Here is another Artillery Luger serial 8510, 10 numbers from the one being discussed in this post. A post war commerial Luger for the American market.

This gun has a blank center toggle (un-numberd but Germany marked), blank chamber, SAFE/LOADED marked, matched grips, un-numbered but Germany marked receiver and unmarked magazine.

I purchased it 25+ years ago from a Shotgun News ad and it came with a minty "surplus" 1918 Artillery holster (Germany marked), cleaning tool and un-numbered "surplus" Artillery stock (Germany marked).

The lighting was a bit poor for the pictures but the gun has excellent patina.

[Luger1900]

Hello Doug,

You own a very interesting LP-08 Commercial that was exported to the US and 'customized' for an American buyer as indicated by the 'Safe' and 'Loaded' markings on the safety area and extractor. I presume that the barrel was installed by a US dealer such as A.F. Stoeger in New York or P. Von Frantzius in Chicago. The barrel length offerred by these dealers started at 8" and increased in length according to the customer's order. I have never seen one of these export models without the DWM logo on the toggle, but I confident that it is still correct for an export model.

The original military holster is in stunning condition and everything including the stitching is perfect. Even the 'tanning' inside the flap shows that the pistol was rarely placed inside the holster. I notice the BAXIX 18 mark inside the flap which is from an German clothing supply depot and these holsters were also exported after WWI.

A very fine rig and you should also consider adding a second model TM-08 and loader which were also offerred by American dealers. Do you happen to have a magazine pouch with this rig?

Congrats,
Albert

[keoki7]

dtw, that is an exceptional example of a post war commercial artillery.

hymers, if you will send me a message with your email address I will respond with mine and you can send your photos to me for posting.