other 9 grip question
 

I saw the couple of postings about the 9 on artilleries, and wondered about size of the 9. I have a 1917 artillery and it has a small nine on both grips. The grips are marked inside and matched to the gun. Was there a standard size for the 9's or just what the guy felt like putting on? Anyone know about this? Thanks.
Dave

more pics

SN

Dave,

It is generally believed that the 9 on Lugers was the result of a widespread misinterpretation of directives specifying C-96 pistols in military service, which were 9MM, were to be so marked to differenciate them from those in 7.63MM.

Unit armorers, being GIs, did what they thought the commander wanted, but they did it their way, resulting in many, many individual interpretations and many variations in markings.

Tom A

Very neat markings. First one I have seen like this in that size and spot.