unit mark

[Patrick]

J. G�¶rtz & Don L. Bryans â??German Small Arms Markingsâ?� is the definitive reference work but you�´ll find that there are so many variations that only the standard abbreviations are reliable (I.R. = Infantry Regiment etc - and even then, the I looks like a J). R as the first letter usually denotes â??Reserveâ?� and SB, â??Sch�¼tzen Brigadeâ?� (Rifle Brigade). A Reserve Rifle Brigade would be a commonly found designation. NZ is almost certainly â??Nachrichten Zugâ?� (Intelligence Platoon). This is NOT a Field Signals Platoon which would be SZ (Feldsignal Zug). So the whole inscription could likely be: 9th pistol of the third Intelligence Platoon of the 27th Reserve Rifle Brigade. But you�´ll only be certain when someone comes up with exact documentation. I hope this helps and doesn�´t confuse things further. Patrick