SOLD - 1917 DWM / Mauser Luger - Deathshead

Description

5/25/23 - This is a potentially rare 1917 DWM Luger with Deathshead proof over the chamber. This is a post-WWI Nazi rework, and there are various theories on the Deathshead marking. These range from being issued to flamethrower units to being early SS, while some collectors don't believe they were original. Research and decide for yourself. In any case, the upper receiver is mismatched to the rest of the gun, and the barrel is an un-numbered commercial replacement (Crown N marked). Oddly enough, the right side of the receiver is also Crown N proofed, along with WW1-era Imperial German military proofs. Most of the parts match the frame, and from the "Mauser Hump" at the back of the frame and the "Mauser dimple" in the stock lug, it was made by Mauser. The gun has retained roughly 75% of its finish, with the majority of the bluing loss on the barrel. There is also general high edge wear and some very light spotty oxidation here and there. Dulling and pin-pricking on the grip straps. Fitted with wood grips - the right panel is numbered and matching, the left is un-numbered. The left panel has a small chip in the upper corner, and the right panel has a hairline crack. Comes with an un-numbered magazine with a repaired crack in the wood base. The rifling in the bore is fairly worn with pin-pricking throughout.