What is this?
 

Erfurt "S" code?

I found this in my searching for an Erfurt. Is this something other than the abortion it looks like?

This is a very interesting gun. The circle-S is usually found on Police guns. Many collectors assert this is a Simson rework mark, there is no documented foundation for this.

Others with more Police Luger expertise will weigh in about other aspects of this gun, the number on the back of the frame, for instance.

The chamber date, of course, is very weird. The receive is definitely an Erfurt, and the sight notch puts it later than 1916. It has plainly been rebarrelled.

It would be really interesting to see what the marks on the magazine bottom might be.

I'd like to get my hands on this gun for a detailed inspection. I believe it to be a very early Police rework which didn't stay in Police service long enough to get a sear or magazine safety.

--Dwight

I believe Dwight is correct, the marking is very close to mine for the circle S, I have mixed feelings on the circle S., most are on police, with 1 or 2 on armies, (that I have seen). The feeling that it just never received a sear or mag safety is plausible for any or just this one.


The rear marking I believe is a rack number, that is the perefect place to see a number for most weapons, I have one with a number in the same place.

It is in fairly rough shape, he will ship C&R, because I asked him, but I wouldn't want it for much more than it is going for...


Ed

With the circle S found on both police and army guns, I see nothing that would have put this gun in police control. I have never seen such a weird chamber date, prior to the "1920 small date" guns that surface from time to time, and I have one in my collection, police of course....but very interesting.

I was looking for another shooter. Maybe....

It's very interesting, at the very least. Thanks for the info guys... :)

Howard, what is your "take" on the rear frame number?

--Dwight