DWM 1916 markings
 

Hello, I have a 1916 DWM p08 with the markings "J.R.132.7.k.2" on the inside of the handle grip. This must be regimental/unit info. But I have no clue where to find this info.

Sorry I would gladly add a picture but I don't think newbies have full posting permissions.

Hi Eric,
Welcome to the forum! The unit Mark stands for: 132nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Company, Weapon #2.
Regards, Norm

Thanks Norm. I'll see what i can find online. Do you know of any particular online resources that might contain more detail about that regiment/company?

Eric

I don't think the info is "online"; you will likely have to buy a book or two.

Found a little info on the 132nd Imperial German Infantry Regiment:

This unit was a Prussian infantry regiment, Nr. 132, or as the Prussians would have referred to it as 1.Unter=Elsässisches Infantrie=Regiment. It was established on March 24, 1881 with its headquarters and three battalions in Strasburg and remained there until the outbreak of WWI.

At the beginning of WWI, the 132nd was assigned to the 39 Infantry Division and stayed assigned to them for the entirety of WWI. The 39th Div was part of the XV Corps, 7th Imperial German Army. The 39th fought on the Western Front for all of WWI and participated in the key battles, Champagne, Flanders, Verdun, Somme, Argonne, Picardy, Arras, and Cambrai and was in the Ypres sector at the war’s conclusion.

Allied intelligence assessment of this division in 1918 was: “”The 39th is rated as a second class division. With the exception of a statement in the German communiqué of October 2, that the 132nd Regiment had displayed “unusual fighting ability” in the operations of Menin, there is nothing to show that the division had distinguished itself in any way in the fighting in 1918.””

Would love to see some pictures of this “old soldier”…..

Ron

Thanks so much for that info, i can just imagine the sights & sounds of battle this thing has witnessed. Here are some pics. Any ideas what this piece would be worth? All parts are matching including the wood grips.

https://i.imgur.com/mCdS16a.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/awZJFi9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6vTwNTJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5bRlh7o.jpg

Hi Eric,
Thanks for showing photos. Your 1916 DWM looks like a nice honest gun that's seen quite a bit of service. It was made in early 1916 as it still has the unrelieved sear. Does the magazine have a matching number as well?
Regards, Norm

Thank you for the info. The mag has a wooden bottom and the SN does not match. I forgot to mention, that's the only non matching part. What do you think it's worth?

Difficult question Eric, value, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder. The unit mark is a plus, the chipped left grip is a minus, I'd say $1,500.00 or so.
Norm

My guess $1200- $1400. But for me I place no value on unit marks. ,Bill

Its a piece of junk and not worth anything - you need to ship it to me for proper disposal! :cheers: