What the heck is this?
 

Saw this on the listing for the upcoming RIA auction.

Comments??

-ML

The one listed on RIAC, right? They sold a similar one (probably it's the same one for sale) back two years ago. It's "Hitler's Bodyguard Special Edition".

Yes a battery operated tac light.

Cigarette lighter attachment... :D

The pistol is from the collection of Doug Smith. It is extremely rare and real. It is attributed to an early SA Nazi bodyguard. I believe that there is at least one other pistol, possibly a Sauer, that has a similar light attachment.

The Germans were ahead of their time in a lot of areas just not the ones that counted in the end.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Never have seen anything like this before.

-ML

I kind of vaguely remember something about this...Are the two metal/copper areas of the right grip actually the 'switch' contacts??? And holding it in your hand completes the circuit???

Yep. I had a chance to look at the innards of the grip and that is what it looks like to me.

Darn, I'm a lefty. Guess I won't be getting that.

Was there a holster made specifically for this???

Yes. As I recall the holster was an Akah break-away.

George recalls correctly

Ron, that holster wouldn't take the pistol with barrel attachment...er...attached...

Was the front/barrel part of the light detached & carried separately??? :confused:

I assume so. The front assembly is a quick disconnect and could be rapidly installed/removed and carried in a coat pocket or seperate case.

Well what do ya' know..... I never knew this existed!!! I'm speechless!

Wow! A Plug-and-Play Luger. What'll they think of next? Picatinny Rails? ;)

-ML

A scope mount??? Infra-red??? (Think 'Vampir') :)

I am amazed at this lugers technology from WW2. :eek:
Since the weight of the light assembly is not hung off the end of the barrel,it does not effect the recoil of the cannon.So function is not effected. It also uses human capacitance to activate the light. :eek:
This technology reminds of my favorite part of the recent movie "The Redtails". Where they portrayed what a gamechanager the ME262 was in the air war.Thank heaven it was all to little to late.:thumbup:
Bob

That grip safety, if had been modified, could be used to perform the electrical switch function. That probably would be more elegant than putting the switch on right grip panels, and either left or right hand could "turn on" the switch by holding the grip.

I wouldn't be surprised if a glove with a mesh palm might have been a fashion accessory for this rig.

It's not??? :confused:

How does it attach then???

I haven't looked for the discussion from two years ago, but I'm pretty sure I joined in on it...

Anyone else remember that discussion???

That is one interesting history item ...

Now i know why i joined the forum ...

Thanks for this new drop in the ocean of knowledge ...

My question is if this uses a skin surface bridge style activation, wouldn't the light them be constantly on, as long as one held the pistol?

This is not very tactically sound, unless there is a separate switch as well, which would seem redundant?

In practical use, if you are going to sweep a darkened room or area, you pretty much have to keep the light on.

It is possible that this impressive rig is an over-engineered "gadget" made up for an elite service, and has more "pomp and ceremony" than actual necessity.

Rich, I remember that discussion, having read it last year after my naissance into Lugerforumdom, when I was reading everything here. I'm surprised I didn't recognize it from then, it is so distinctive. I don't recall specifically any discussion about how it is actually mounted to the gun.

I remember trying to wrap my head around how it works, but didn't understand it :\

Today we would have used trasistors, but they where not invented at the time. Skin alone would not be a good enough conductor to power a light.. So perhaps something simple as metal wires in a glove?

In any case, the designer must have been one clever guy :)

I just watched this video. I am always surprised that auctioneers handling those high value items without gloves....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geNzHZGkGOI

Alvin,
Thanks for the link.
WOW!!!... nuff said.