Erfurt with British proofs
 

Just picked this up today, couldn't resist, but I can't find much information on these lugers other than when these were sold into the public, the proofs went on. What is the story about these. This is all matching except mag, and the grios are marked 72 instead of 82. Also, what is the stuff that looks like a coating over the blue? Do these hold any value other than a shooter status?
Dave

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Certainly a refinish and shooter grade. Are the British proofs only on the barrel?

It’s not just refinished, but a total mismatch as well. Erfurt did not make any P.08s in 1915 but someone has mated an “82” marked Erfurt toggle train to a DWM cannon. The British proofs were placed by Birmingham (? unclear photo/mark) for the commercial market.

Interesting. I have seen other similarly marked 1915 Erfurts on the net. There are no other British proofs that I could see other than the barrel marking.
I saw one just like it on Simpson's, but yes, most likely a combo.

As Bill stated, Erfurt did not make Lugers in 1915. Your toggle train is Erfurt but the receiver is DWM.

At some point your Luger was summitted to a British proof house for proofing, possibly due to repairs. Always interesting but not uncommon.

I’m finding that each of these Lugers can tell some stories. I understand why I would take it home . I love shooting P.08’s and this is like the one in the kennel that nobody would adopt . I bet she’s shoot’s awesome . Clean it , lube it and feed it 124 grain light loads . You’ll be the only on at the shooting range with a Luger . Some admirers may want to know about it . Congratulations.

Thanks for the replies. It is what it is, and a two of a kind ( including Simpsons), so I can tell people that there are only two that I know of. :)
Dave

I have read that if firearm comes into the country and stored (like Interarms did after WW2) that they had to be British proofed before exporting to the USA (Or where it was going).

That is true. All British military arms that were released for civilian sales were - by British law - proofed before allowed to be sold,

In 1958 my Father purchased a Leand-Lease 1911A1 Colt that Interarms imported from England. It was unissued; essentialy new and the cost was $39.95. It went through the Birmingham proof house. It's still in the family, in the craft box it was shipped in and with the original Interarms receipt. For years it was my Father's bedside handgun.

I have a nice 1914 DWM with British proofs. It must have been an early-mid 20’s job as it is quite discreet for British proofs.

I also have a 1911A1 Colt that was a lend-lease gun with the British proofs on it. I believe that I got mine in 1972-73 timeframe. I have run a # of rounds through mine. :rockon:

The one my Father bought was the first 1911A1 I ever fired. I like the 1911 and own a few newer ones now.

If your Colt is still 100% original, I'd lay it away. Original WW2 1911A1 pistols that haven't been messed with are difficult to find and the values have gone out of sight.

You can get a new clone for not a lot of money now and the quality is excellent. Palmeto State Armory has the Tisas US Army in stock now for $320... all forged parts; no mim parts.

I have had two 1911A1 Lend Lease and British proofed. The first was a Colt released by the Brits in 1952 and re-imported by Interarms. Traded it off for a 30-40 Krag carbine that I still have. Recently traded into a Remington-Rand from 1944. It is marked differently than the Colt was, but is also proofed by the Birmingham proof house. Both were exceptionally minty. Woody

My Vickers was proofed twice. One time with the 'not english make' stamp. Proofhouses, especially british ones, not always make sense.

I'm guessing the black paint looking coating is Suncorite, also known as "stoving". It was used during FTR (Factory Thorough Repair) on small arms throughout the British empire, usually applied over a phosphate finish.

Can you tell whether some of those areas where the coating has worn off look like phosphate/Parkerizing? It could also be applied directly on top of whatever bluing was present at the time but again, usually over phosphate I think.
-Bob