I, J, and Z are tough enough in lower case,
but just look at the "k" !:eek:

I agree it must be a "j", just not applied in Erfurt. JMHO.

After considerable though, I don't think it was stamped at the Erfurt arsenal either. The lack of halos suggests that the current finish was applied over the serial numbers and the suffix letter when it was refurbished. The suffix letter was likely stamped at that time. JMHO

The "k" is VERY interesting. LOL

I don't mind what year this was made in as it works fine. I am wondering about the front sight as it does not have the square cut out as seen on regular Lugers

The contour of your front sight blade is standard military style. It is not, however, correct for your pistol. The base should be dovetailed and the sight blade should have a corresponding male dovetail. The picture below shows what a normal military front sight base and blade should look like. The "square cutout" you mention sounds like you're thinking of the sight used on earlier Lugers of the 1900, 1906 models and Swiss military Lugers. The German military used the ramp type sights as seen below.

https://i.imgur.com/OugRjFz.jpg

If you look closely you can see that the sight blade is dovetailed, it has just been filed flat.
Ron

Ron, looking at it again, I believe you're right. Good catch.

The question is, why would anyone do that?

Cuts down on the wind drag :)

it is a parts weapon..there is no year of manufacture........