Help determining build date of DWM Model 1908

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KneverKnew · #1 Post by **KneverKnew** » Fri Sep 07, 2018 12:09 pm

Barrel and Receiver have matching serial numbers...2989 with "Bb" underneath.
Both barrel and receiver also have the number 62 stamped on the bottoms.
Can someone help determine when this particular barreled receiver was built? Thanks.

boltactionbill · #2 Post by **boltactionbill** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 2:23 pm

Its always been my understanding on SA Mausers that the letter prefix of the serial numbers denotes 10,000. Meaning that your serial number is either 32989 or 22989 depending on if the serial numbers started with a letter prefix or not. If you have a start of production date and a how many were made per month production figure you could figure it out nearly to the day.

With this formula and the limited information available I was able to date my 1909 Argentine to being made approximately in April 1910 for example. - Bill

KneverKnew · #3 Post by **KneverKnew** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 2:42 pm

“SA”???
All the marking are visible in the pictures. Just the various “b’s”

Old Army Cook · #4 Post by **Old Army Cook** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 4:25 pm

KneverKnew wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 09, 2018 2:42 pm
“SA”???
All the marking are visible in the pictures. Just the various “b’s”

SA = South American, not a reference to a specific mark.

KneverKnew · #5 Post by **KneverKnew** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 5:37 pm

My confusion stems from the listed data that says DWM was the first issue or rifles 1908-1911 or so. Second issue was
Oberndorf which had the two letter suffixes below the serial numbers. But mine, and others have address
Listed as DWM- Berlin but also has the Bb under the serial numbers. There is the typical script B in front of the number and the Printed B ina circle after. Does this lead us to anything closer to an understanding when my and other rifles were produced?

Old Army Cook · #6 Post by **Old Army Cook** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 7:16 pm

I too have read the double letters were from the second batch produced at Oberndorf a/n for DWM from 1911-14. I can't explain it as I have a DWM Berlin marked Ff. So I keep searching.

KneverKnew · #7 Post by **KneverKnew** » Sun Sep 09, 2018 9:12 pm

I assume a DWM with a single letter is a safe bet it’s from the first run.

boltactionbill · #8 Post by **boltactionbill** » Mon Sep 10, 2018 5:28 pm

The Bb is under the serial number on the barrel leading me to believe it is some sort of proof mark. If it was on the receiver adjacent to the serial number then you'd have a real mystery. As your receiver shows only the single (B) suffix, that is the one that counts as far as production dating is concerned. Remember barrels can be changed but the receiver is forever! - Bill
BTW, sorry about the SA confusion. I figured it was understood as we were talking about a Brazilian Mauser.

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Help determining build date of DWM Model 1908

Help determining build date of DWM Model 1908

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Re: Help determining build date of DWM Model 1908

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