1914 Erfurt Info
 

First, an obligatory but heartfelt thanks to the members. Great site/forum plenty of info.

My Grandfather recently asked me to take this and a byf44 P.38 off of his hands. He brought them home as war trophies in 1944 and has had them in a lock-box since then.

I found them to be in excellent working condition and only show the wear from when they were in service. A reputable gunsmith also examined them and agrees the bores et all are in good shape.

I am including some picks of the Luger and would appreciate comment on what you see/feel regarding basic condition and proofs.

As much as I hate to, I am likely to part with both of these and so I am seeking some additional feedback before I list them.

Thanks to all for your feedback:

Looks like a nice early WW-I Erfurt P-08.

I can't tell from the photos. Does the finish on the barrel look different than that on the receiver and frame?

I believe that that Eagle over HzA proof mark is an army repair depot rework mark from WW-II. A salt blued barrel could have been installed on your gun at that time.

If your Grandfather has the paperwork that authorized him to return to the US with his pistols, that will increase the value to a collector.

Marc

1914 was a rarer year for Erfurts. Only 7000 made. Does yours have suffix? Look on the front of the frame for the serial number, and a script letter under that. There is some controversy about this year. Some hold that only those without the artillery notch, the cut out just above the chamber date, and the long, unrelieved sear bar are true 1914s. All other came some time later

FN

Don't be shy about showing the P-38 either...We all have one, and most are members of P-38 Forum as well... :)

Here ya go:

Hi Marc,

The Barrel finish is the same as the rest and it has all matching #'s

I a m looking for the paperwork however he kept the guns separate from his documents.

Thanks

Kevin,

I hope you realize that your are a VERY LUCKY GRANDSON... whose grandfather loved very much!

Congrats on your new family heirlooms.

Indeed John & thanks. I fully appreciate & respect what these represent both as his gift, as well as to the fact that they are both rarer productions.

If they do not stay with me, then I will ensure they at least stay within the community so they are properly documented and cared for.

Cheers

Very nice pistols. Your 1914 dated Erfurt P08 started out life as an LP08 or artillery model. Total production of 1914 Erfurt LP08s is estimated at 25,000. It was probably modified during the Weimar period.