Unit-Marked 1918 Erfurt
 

I have an opportunity to buy a 1918 Erfurt, with a unit marking on the frontstrap. The gun is matching except for the grips and mag (which match). Finish is 80%, straw is 50%. Bore is decent. Being a 1918 pistol, isn’t it unusual that there is a unit marking on it? It looks legit. Patina is the same as the rest of the pistol. Price is $1800. Would appreciate opinions. Thanks!

Seems a bit high priced for the condition. Bill

Hi Bob,
Not all 80%'s are equal, you had better post photos if you want a meaningful opinion.
Norm

Understood. The price is a bit high. Does the fact that it’s a unit-marked 1918 pistol add that much to the value?

That pretty much depends on the collectors taste. To me I don't care whether they are marked or not. To others it would probably add some amount. Bill

What's the unit?

Here's the unit mark; 142.R.11.16
Anyone know what it means?

Saw a 1917 Erfurt for sale at a gun show this past weekend, all matching including mag and maybe same finish condition as you describe for $1600 not unit marked though. I bet I could get it a bit cheaper. Anyway prices being what they are now $1800 maybe a bit high but might seem reasonable in the near future.

My guess is the 142nd Infantry Regiment, company 11, weapon #16.

I agree.

Not many 1918 Lugers were unit marked. It would be nice to see clear, sharp and detailed pictures of the gun in question. The frame serial number and suffix letter might tell us something.

I also think $1800 is too high based on the OP's description.

I don't have any close-up pics, unfortunately. I do appreciate everyone's feedback, however. Thanks!

I remember in the early 60s, collectors were turning up their noses at unit marks.
Also '41 BYFs with black grips....
I like unit marks just out of interest.
Fickle we can be.

I like proper unit marks as well ... IMO the markings add verifiable history to a gun as well as value. :rockon:

Again, thanks, all, for the great comments. I’m going to make a play for the pistol. There’s just something about it that speaks to me. If I end-up buying the pistol, I’ll be sure to post pictures on this thread. Take care!

Well, I bought the Luger. Please let me know what you think.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...=278&crop=fill
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...=278&crop=fill
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https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...=278&crop=fill
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...=278&crop=fill

For some reason the pictures got cropped. Sorry. I'll try this again....

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds
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It may be just the pictures but it looks refinished. It appears to be very shiny. Bill

Bill, I agree. I also think the left grip is a replacement. The fit and the wear doesn't match the right grip.

I second the notion that it’s refinished.

Is it loaded? Looks like the extractor is sticking up in the loaded chamber position.

KFS

The Photobucket watermark is annoying. :( Opening the image's link gets rid of it... ;) But posting directly to the forum rather than linking to outside sites is preferred, as the alien links may no longer function in the future, thus depriving incoming classes at Luger U. the chance to see what's being discussed, as well as the data your pics will represent. :rolleyes: Best to save the history right here--I doubt it's any more complicated to store them on this site than it is to post them to Photobucket. :thumbup:

For what it’s worth, I took the pictures in my camper, which doesn’t have good lighting. I think if seen in person, you might change your opinion of a re-blue. But, I do respect and appreciate your comments. Any thoughts on the unit markings or anything else? It does shoot well. I put 50 rounds through it, and it only had one FTE.

Thanks for the tips about the photos. The loaded chamber indicator is up because I have a snap-cap dummy round in the chamber.

I can see no evidence of a halo around the unit markings and having been stamped through the bluing, the letter and numbers would almost certainly display a halo after 103 years such as seen around the unit markings below. A re-blue will not have a halo around the markings.

https://i.imgur.com/3RR9Wm3.jpg

I understand your point. I’ll try and get a better pic of the unit numbers. Thanks for your comments.

Example of massive halo on 1906 French Contract~

Post a photo of the barrel serial number

That Is The Barrel serial number #5182, 1906 7.65mm

Here’s a couple of better pics. The markings seem to have a halo.

Much better pictures and there does look to be halo around the unit marking and the barrel serial number indicating original finish.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my pics and comment. I do appreciate it!

I don't know if it's original finish or not, but just to let you know - that is way more than 80% finish (looks like at least 90 to 95%). What happened to the front gripstrap - it looks bashed in? Did someone use it for a hammer?

One of my Imperial Lugers is also unit marked to the 142. R. It is in my home in CT and we are still in FL until mid June, so no photos.

Please send a picture of your unit markings when you get home. I'm curious to see if it's the same font.

Unusual for a 1918 dated Luger to be regimental unit marked from the Imperial Army. The 142.R. is often seen on earlier dated equipment, (I have one). Whomever the regimental armorer was, he was very diligent in his duties, even after unit marking was cancelled in 1916. For whatever reason/s the discontinued protocol continued to be followed into 1917 by some military units, but rarely into '18.