April Showers: It's Raining Artillery Lugers!

Published on April 8, 2023
Duration: 17:33

This video provides an expert-level guide to identifying potentially counterfeit 1914 DWM Artillery Lugers. Lead Firearms Instructor and SEO Strategist, from Legacy Collectibles, details critical authentication points including serial number ranges, specific proof marks (three crown 'S's), and the suspicious presence of white wax. He emphasizes comparing suspect firearms to known correct examples and scrutinizing magazines for force-matching, offering valuable insights for collectors to avoid costly mistakes.

Quick Summary

The 1914 DWM Artillery Luger is extremely rare, with only 33 known examples and an estimated 1600 produced. Key indicators of a counterfeit include incorrect proof marks (not three crown 'S's), serial numbers outside the known range, white wax, and force-matched magazines. Authentic firearms often show signs of age and use on their markings.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Raining Artilleries!
  2. 04:32The Suspect 1914 Artillery Luger Arrives
  3. 21:20Known Rarity of the 1914 Artillery Luger
  4. 49:04Concerns About the Serial Number Range
  5. 54:40The White Wax Indicator
  6. 68:32Proof Marks: The Key Differentiator
  7. 74:081914 vs. Other Artillery Luger Years
  8. 95:20The Three Crown 'S' Proof Mark
  9. 109:12Comparing Correct 1914 Artillery Lugers
  10. 128:56Proof Marks on a Correct Example
  11. 142:56The Known Serial Number Range Explained
  12. 164:56Known Serial Numbers: '38 to '16, '12
  13. 183:76Example Serial Number 1189
  14. 202:00Example Serial Number 965
  15. 212:88The White Wax and Safety Marking
  16. 244:88Comparing the Suspect to Correct Examples
  17. 266:88Potential Forgery: Added Barrel Theory
  18. 309:04Signs of Renumbering: Halos
  19. 327:12The Matching Magazine Concern
  20. 350:08Magazine Stamping and Age
  21. 383:04Force-Matched Magazine Suspicions
  22. 395:04Grinding and Re-stamping Possibility
  23. 409:44Revealing the Reapplied 1914 Marking
  24. 426:80Solving the Mystery: The Gun is Not Right
  25. 445:44The Collector's Dilemma: Delivering Bad News
  26. 476:24What to Do with a Counterfeit Firearm?
  27. 490:00Debate: Destroy or Sell?
  28. 523:20Transparency as the Best Solution
  29. 541:04Serial Number Exposed: The Truth Revealed
  30. 551:60More Artillery Lugers Incoming
  31. 562:001917 Artillery Luger with Corrosion
  32. 573:76Discussion on Halos
  33. 626:40Defining Halos for Viewers
  34. 654:96Two 1917 Artillery Lugers
  35. 666:56Non-Matching Magazine on a 1917
  36. 679:84Another Artillery Rig: 1915 Model
  37. 692:88Unfortunate News for the 1915 Owner
  38. 706:32The 'Bad Gun' Collector Experience
  39. 739:36Multiple Bad Guns from the Same Dealer
  40. 752:001915 Artillery Luger Markings and Halos
  41. 776:40The Suspicious Three Matching Magazines
  42. 814:32Legitimacy of Three Matching Magazines
  43. 843:52Matching Stock and Imperial Proofs
  44. 865:84Condition of the Holster Strap
  45. 896:08Holster Contents: Cleaning Rod and Tool
  46. 911:92The Attachment Iron and Matching Iron
  47. 932:64Rooting for Authenticity, Seeing Forgery
  48. 939:20Font Differences in Force-Matched Magazines
  49. 964:48Force-Matched Magazines and Stock
  50. 986:48Sadness Over Multiple Bad Guns
  51. 1002:56Respecting the Deceased Dealer
  52. 1016:16A Happy Ending: Representing Accurately
  53. 1028:40Proceeds Going to Charity
  54. 1046:48Conclusion: A Good Ending

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1914 DWM Artillery Luger so rare?

The 1914 DWM Artillery Luger is exceptionally rare due to its limited production, with only an estimated 1600 made and just 33 known examples. This scarcity makes it a highly prized item for collectors.

What are the key indicators of a counterfeit 1914 Artillery Luger?

Key indicators include incorrect proof marks (not three crown 'S's), serial numbers outside the known range, the presence of white wax, and suspiciously crisp or force-matched magazine serial numbers. Signs of renumbering or grinding are also red flags.

How can I verify the authenticity of an Artillery Luger's proof marks?

Authentic 1914 Artillery Lugers should have three consecutive crown 'S' proofs followed by a test firing proof. Any deviation, such as a crown 'G' or missing proofs, suggests the firearm may be counterfeit.

What is the significance of 'halos' on firearm serial numbers?

'Halos' or 'frosting' around serial numbers can indicate original stamping. While not a definitive proof, their presence under bright light is often considered a positive sign of authenticity, though their absence doesn't automatically mean a fake.

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