1912 Erfurt Hold open
 

I have a Regiment marked 1912 Erfurt fortunately that is all matching. However this does not have a hold open when it fired the last round or when cocking the firearm unlike my 1917 Erfurt. Did this just miss an upgrade or is there more to the story. Thanks

1912 Erfurts were manufactured with out a holdopen. Many but not all had a holdopen added later. Bill

Most were retro-fitted but some escaped the process depending on who had them at the time. Slip us the regimental stamping, and I'll bet someone will know the scoop on yours. Pics would bring in some answers--you know the drill!

Hi John,
Welcome to the forum! Most of the early P08's that were not retrofitted with a hold-open prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Aug 1914 were those issued to Bavarian units. It's likely that the unit mark on your gun begins with a capital B.
Regards, Norm

Thanks. I shall post some pics.

What is the Unit marking?

Unit Markings
 

The top is my 1912 and the bottom is a 1917 Erfurt, Any information on the unit markings would be appreciated. Thanks

180 Infantry Regiment, II Battalion Staff. It's a Wuerttemberger regiment. Wuerttembergers, like Bavarians, are normally found without hold-opens added.