1914 Erfurt Luger – Unusual details
 

Greetings from Brazil!

I came across this 1914 Erfurt and would be glad if you guys could help!

I noted some unusual details in this pistol (probably refinished) in comparison with the ones I found researching and another 1917 Erfurt that I own.

I've measured the bore and the barrel is apparently 9mm. There is no “step” on the chamber that would indicate .30 Luger, but apparently this barrel is not original to the gun.

Also, I have never seen this type of magazine. 9mm ammo does not fit in this magazine, it is tight.

The magazine from the other Erfurt Luger does not seem to fit properly in this one in the sense that the insertion is not “smooth” and it gives resistance to fully insert it (I decided not to force it).

May you guys please shine a light on this, if possible?

Thanks!

Yes; refinished, rebarrelled, and the magazine is either home-made or from another pistol.
dju

Agreed with the above. Your pistol is also a former Erfurt LP.08 as it has the artillery sight notch.

The underside of the breech block is certainly unusual. Compare it to the picture below.

The barrel is a replacement and, as already pointed out, the pistol was originally an Artillery Luger.

The pistol has been refinished.

I've never seen a magazine quite like that but it's obviously home made.

https://i.imgur.com/orSWxhy.jpg

The order came down in August, 1916, IIRC. However, in 1914 the only Erfurts with a notched receiver were Artillery models.

Doubs
Your correct . For some reason all I was thinking 1916. Old age is hell. Bill

Well, looks like the breech block is "homemade" too.

The "notch" on the receiver has been altered(by filing it appears) as it is too wide/deep; it may
have been an artillery receiver or it may not. The alteration makes it impossible to say for sure, but it really does not matter to this modified luger. JMHO.

It is a good example of local "ingenuity" to make something work that was missing a couple main pieces. Very interesting.

Erfurt luger
 

The breach block looks like it has the characteristic missing piece next to the extractor,left side looking from rear. :mad:

I think the breech block is original, but has been "cut down" on the bottom. Perhaps to work with or clear the blacksmith magazine. The top side certainly looks good, barring the broker extractor notch.

In my opinion from the pictures supplied. The breech block has had a piece soldered to the bottom of it, perhaps to properly feed with the home made magazine pictured with it.

Bill my friend, AMEN! ... to quote the title of a humorous book my wife and I enjoy reading, "Old age ain't for Wimps!"

That is also what I think. The magazine may be a little short so to pick up the next cartridge, the bottom of the breech block was deepened.

Believe me when I say I know exactly what you mean. For me getting "lucky" is remembering what I entered the room for. LOL

I concur, the magazine looks like one of those early hand made Mexican "quality" mags to me. I have never seen one quite like it either! (and hope I never do again... would somebody pass the eye bleach please.)

Well, the photos show I was upside down on that one. The block wasn't cut down, it was built up. With a brazed on piece added to the bottom. And to think all it needed was a good magazine....

Seems as if that could be removed fairly easily. It's not as if you're gonna hurt any tempering it ever had. The price of a Mec-Gar is a pretty cheap fix!

Thank you all for the precious feedback and assessment!