Regimental Marking , When And By Whom?
 

I own several unit marked lugers both on P08 and artillerys. Close to twenty years I have never seen the marking process explained.. Where were they applied? Factory or field? Did a particular regiment request them. When were they started and which are the rarest? Are there fakes?

I'll jump in and answer the last question first. Of course there are fakes. Anything that can be faked either has been, or will be faked.

How would you spot a fake?

You would know it was a fake because after doing due diligence: reading all available books on the subject and listing/reading all the knowledgeable questions and answers put to all the kind people on the "The Luger Forum" it would just be second nature...

I've only ever run across one faked unit marking and that one came for Minnie-sota.

George, All of my unit marked luger I purchased from you! That why I know are legit> In addition you supplied me with their individual unit history! None Better!

When they left the factory, no one knew where they would go so they were marked at unit level by an armorer.

If the finish is original they will likely show a halo around the stamps as they were applied after the finish was on the gun.

Did regimental markings have halos?

Almost always.

Thank You Norm!

I think Doubs pretty well answered that question:
"If the finish is original they will likely show a halo around the stamps as they were applied after the finish was on the gun."

Here are a couple of mine.
Ron

Ron, I am suffering from a severe case of lust for the G.d. pistol. Not sorry.............

Niel,
I think you would make a spiffy looking Garde Grenadier in one of those tall funny looking Pope hats. I think they are called mitres...you mitre cut a dashing figure. :)
Ron

When did the emergence of halos begin ever cease or where there exceptions on some very early models? ie 1900 US Test~

Some nice pistols there Mr. Wood. Could you imagine trying to keep that on your head while on horseback? John

Throughout history, warriors have had some odd ideas on headgear, no?
dju

Mitres were worn by straight legs.

Yea, thought of that after posting Geo.....

Cirelaw. THe halo around the stamped letters is caused by the stamp being applied AFTER the surface was blued. Since regmental markings were applied after the gun had left factory and was blued, they always produce a halo becuase the disruption of the metal by the stamp stresses the oxide finish of the bluing. However, the halo can be very difficult to see and it can get very faint due to aging oxidizing the surface. Rebluing will also cover the halo. If you got it from George Anderson it is honest.
George; Washington PA produced some fake Unit Nmbers.

TKS Heinz I agree with you as to regimental marking all others I have my doubts as to serial numbers and import marks, Don't forget the eagle! They all had to be prebluing! Thanks for your input! My 1902 Fat Barrel has no halos including a sharp 'GERMANY' '22713' TKS The last one isn't mine! Demonstration only!Legacy has a good example https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/...at-barrel.html All imprints are sharp!