1913 Erfurt
 

I am looking at some pictures of this Erfurt and the grip strap is marked B.8.R.M.G. The B is taller than the rest of the markings as the 8 thru the G are uniform to each other only shorter. Any thoughts on this marking?

Bavarian 8th Regiment, Machine Gun Company. Does your 1913 Erfurt have a hold-open? Regards, Norm

I had a 1908 DWM serial number 1597 marked to the same unit, "B.8.R.M.G.81.". What is the complete serial number of the 1913?

George and Norme,

These are the supplied pictures with the serial number supplied 2327 but no picture under barrel showing if there is a letter. I am not sure what a hold open looks like so maybe you can tell. Thanks Curt

Hi Curt, A hold-open is the latch that holds the action open after the last shot has been fired, and is the L shaped piece in the bottom center of the photo. Early P08's were made without this feature, but most were retrofitted in 1914, except those that were issued to Bavarian units. Regards, Norm

Thanks Norme as I have heard the phrase a number of times and although I own a few Lugers I was never sure what it looked like and where it was located. The education goes on! By the way from the limited pictures this gun looks correct to me what do you think? Thanks, Curt

Hi Curt, This gun looks very nice in the photos, and the matching number magazine looks like the real deal. Check to see that all internal serial numbers match, including the grips, and that the grip screws bear Erfurt inspection marks (be very careful removing the left grip, it chips easily). I notice that the sear bar has been shortened, a later modification, but it should not affect value. Regards, Norm