Lugers from Jersey, Channel Islands
 

Hi,
Thanks for allowing me on this forum. I thought I would start with a photo taken a few years back showing my then collection of Lugers. All of which were left here on the Island of Jersey after 5 years of Occupation by the German armed forces.

I didn't realize the Germans used the LP08 in WW II.

Wow! People just have them stashed away in their homes after the war ended or what?

What was the official practice back then, for recovered weapons? I imagine it was pretty specific to the island given what happened there versus the rest of England?

Beautiful collection Damien, welcome to the forum!

k98mike,
They certainly used them here on the Island as well as a vast number of WW.I dated 4 inch lugers.

MW2152,
At the end of the Occupation the German troops were removed from the Island by the British troops and everything else was left behind, so 5 years of military equipment was lying around. Most was cleared and dumped at sea, but obviously people "acquired" the odd bits and pieces.... as you do.

When I get home later (I am currently in a car and will be for at least 5 more hours) I will try to post an interesting article from my thesis research on the Channel Islands militaria collecting/collectors. Outstanding collection!

Sweet 16!

Do they have to be deactivated on Jersey or can you own working ones?

Reply to Flashover
 

Hi Flashover,
Here on the Island of Jersey we have different firearms laws to those of the UK, so we are permitted to own and fire pistols, bolt action semi auto rifles. All my Lugers are useable and come from the Island, except for one which was brought here by Sir Billy Butlin who liberated it on his way through Germany.

Hi Damien,
Wow, the Butlin name brings back memories. The Butlin family lived on a big estate in Hampstead near where I lived after the war ended. I used to sneak on the property and hung out a few times with Butlin's daughter who was about my age (maybe 10). She was a pretty blond girl but for the life of me I can't remember her name.
Norm

Nice collection, congrats!

Glad you remain free to own firearms, particularly handguns, and enjoy them.....not a fate shared by the rest of the British.

I am fascinated at the 3 LP08's also, I think most people don't realize that they were used through Weimar and WW2 era.

Great display, show us more! I watched a good show on bunkers on the Isles :)

While I cannot share the article I mentioned with you all (it is pay-to-read except through my university library credentials), I do have the info and title discussing war memorabilia on the islands.

Carr, Gilly. "'Illicit Antiquities'? the Collection of Nazi Militaria in the Channel Islands." World Archaeology 48, no. 2 (2016): 254-266.