unit mark
 

I recently acquired an LP-08, 1917/1920. Germany stamped on right rail. All matching except the mag and in excellent condition. Never reblued or reworked. Unit mark on front gripstrap: 27.R.S.B.3.N.Z.9 (all caps, no italics). The N.Z. stands for a communications/radio group but what is the the first part? It doesn't seem Imperial and Weimar would have forward slashes. Possibly a Friekorps mark between 11/18 and 1920, thence to the Weimar Army? Ideas appreciated.


Thanks,

Shelly

Yeh Dok, I agree
 

Shelly I am no expert in this area, but until one comes along, the R might be Infantry Regiment, the S - Signal and the B - Bavarian. So my guess, and that's what it is, would be 27th Regiment of the Bavarian Signal Corps, 3rd Radio Group, weapon number 9. Come on somebody and help!!!

Re: unit mark
 

Hi Shelly, My only info on unit markings comes from Jeff Noll's fine books, but my best guess, if the "R" is in the same style lettering as the rest: Regimental Headquarters (REGIMENTSSTAB DES INFANTERIE REGIMENTS) of the 27th Regiment, 3rd Battallion communications group, Gun #9.

Re: unit mark
 

J. G�¶rtz & Don L. Bryans â??German Small Arms Markingsâ?� is the definitive reference work but you�´ll find that there are so many variations that only the standard abbreviations are reliable (I.R. = Infantry Regiment etc - and even then, the I looks like a J). R as the first letter usually denotes â??Reserveâ?� and SB, â??Sch�¼tzen Brigadeâ?� (Rifle Brigade). A Reserve Rifle Brigade would be a commonly found designation. NZ is almost certainly â??Nachrichten Zugâ?� (Intelligence Platoon). This is NOT a Field Signals Platoon which would be SZ (Feldsignal Zug). So the whole inscription could likely be: 9th pistol of the third Intelligence Platoon of the 27th Reserve Rifle Brigade. But you�´ll only be certain when someone comes up with exact documentation. I hope this helps and doesn�´t confuse things further. Patrick

Re: unit mark
 

Guys:


Thanks to one and all. This gives me several unit histories to research and have fun with. But I encourage further thought and response.


Shelly