Question regarding German officers' pistols
 

I read somewhere saying German officers buying their own pistols. Here are a few questions:

1) Who were the suppliers? Direct factory order, retail store, order from military, or some other sources?

2) Any constraints on brand and caliber? Could a commercial gun without military inspection/acceptance mark be carried?

3) Did they also have to pay for ammo and holster?

4) Specific rules regarding who would get military issued gun, who had to pay themselves? Uniform set of rules for Imperial, Weimar, and Third Reich?

Thanks!

Alvin,

There was an original price list posted by a member at one time, listing pistols with prices available for private purchase.

If I recall, the War Ministry would purchase the pistols and offer them at a discount. Much like our Military PX's and Base or Post Exchanges would.

Ron

Jan Still lists all models makes and prices of pistols offered to pre WWI German officers in his new book. Imperial German army officers were responsible for buying all their uniforms, equipment etc. Everything from their under wear to their horses.

To Alvin & the other chipmunks: Officer's private purchased pistols would not be marked with an military acceptance and were generally either purchased from some large retailers such as AKAH, Geco, etc. or were recieved as gift from a relative. I don't believe that there were any restrictions as to caliber, but if they were an odd one, the officer probably had to scrounge his own ammo. Most were in 6.35, 7.63, 7.65 or 9mm. Rember that these were for his personal protection when on or off duty, and if needed in a combat situation, he would be "loaned" a more appropriate military issue weapon, that he would turn in when the need was over. TH

Thanks everyone! .... lazy me.... will send out my book order form tommorrow.

Books arrived! Saw many names that I have read hundreds (if not thousands) of times......... thanks a lot for the great reference!