Erfurt 1918
 

Dear Froum members!

I appreciate your thoughts on this ERFURT 1918 Luger, especialy about its barrel marking. I have never seen anything before like this - could be this period done arsenal re-work? May be someone will recognize this marking.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Best regards,
Alexander

This is now considered a Shooter class gun, and not a collectible.

The gun has been refinished. Perhaps more than once.

The barrel is a replacement, but it does not look like it was done by an arsenal. The serial number on the barrel was engraved (pantographed) not stamped.

The damage could be battle damage, but more likely just rough handling during its lifetime, and very possibly the result of someone who had no idea of how to disassemble the gun trying to force the takedown lever open...

John many thanks! It is all clear with this one now!

Best regards,
Alexander

I agree with John's points. This is classic damage by someone who did not understand the takedown process. A flat bladded screwdriver or similar tool was inserted between the upper receiver rail and the takedown lever and twisted in an effort to force the lever down. This to the extent where it looks like they broke the original lever and replaced it with a commercial or aftermarket lever, (note no visible serial or Erfurt stampings).

Is the lever marked in any way?

would engraving on the barrel numbers leave hallos? Seems like that shows up with a hammer strike to number dies.

Nope. Engraving removes material. Stamping displaces it and disturbs the finish so that the halos appear.

Does the "S" and "A" barrel stamps suggest a Finnish re-barrel?
dju

I don't think so David. IMHO I think the two characters would be the same font and size if they were of Finnish origin... but I could be wrong... just ask my wife! :eek:

His 'brother' (P.08 byf41, came from the same source) has PSE marking on barrel - I guess this is from Norway.