A Possible "Deaths Head" Luger Explanation
 

I am currently watching a BBC documentary on World War I. In the second episode of the series, it points out that that Crown Prince of Germany had his own regiment, and that the emblem, or insignia for this regiment was the "Deaths Head." In the documentary it showed a picture of him with such an emblem on his hat. Perhaps this topic has been address somewhere else on this forum; however, I thought I would share this information with those who might be interested. And I am including a small picture of Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm. Perhaps this information explains the origin of the Deaths Head Luger.

We have discussed the Death's Head regiments at length here in the past. Ron even has an original Death's Head Busby, just like Von Mackesen wore.

The symbol was well known throughout WW1 and post WW1 Germany. The real issue is how many, if any were ever applied to pistols in that immediate post war era.

Neat photo Ron. Crown Prince Wilhelm was the honorary "commander" of the 1st Leib Hussars and his sister Victoria Luise was the honorary commander of the 2nd Leib Hussars. Both units were legendary and actually under the command of Feld Marshall August von Mackensen. Unfortunately there is no link whatsoever to either of these units and the "Deathead Luger"...I wish there was.

Ron, thank you for the great pictures, expecially the one of the Crown Princess.

I did notice that these pictures do not account for the little "S" laying on its side underneath the skull - as seen on some examples.

Has convincing evidence been found that these Lugers were definitely not in use in these units, or is it merely a lack of any evidence that precludes us from making the association?

Ron,
The lazy "S" is an enigma and the closest to logical explanation that I have heard is that it represents the laydown pattern of a flamethrower. A few Freikorps Flammenwerfer units had a skull and crossbones insignia.
There is no evidence that any Leib Hussar units had DH marked Lugers. I have only encountered two Lugers with Leib Hussar grip strap markings and they did not have any chamber insignia.
Cheers,
Other Ron :)

Could the little "S" be a stylized attempt at the crossed bones? That's what it always looked like to me.

I don't think so. The skull already has bones crossed behind it and the lazy S is above the skull.

Could it be a stylized halo?

Wonder why only one bone? I think the twist is a strand of hair.