Rich:
Assuming your DWM 1918 Luger is marked to the 169th Infantry Regiment (pictures of the Luger and its markings are always the best confirmation), it has an interesting battle history. This regiment was initially assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, a Baden Division, and remained with the 29th all of 1914 and into 1915. As part of the 29th, your regiment fought in Alsace-Lorraine, Artois and Champagne. The 29th Infantry Division was considered a rated to be a good division by British Intelligence in 1917.
In March, 1915, the 52nd Infantry Division was formed, another division from the Grand Duchy of Baden. Your regiment was assigned to 52nd on this date and remained with this division for the duration of WWI. The 52nd fought in the battles of Artois in April of 1915. During 1916, it fought in the Somme, Alsace, Aisne, Californie Plateau and Champagne. During 1918, the 52nd began fighting in Champagne and then in Picardy, Aisne, Lens, Armentieres, Bapume, and ended the war fighting in the Argonne area.
"The 52d is rated as one of the best German divisions. It was in a great deal of heavy fighting during 1918 (as in producing years) and acquitted itself most creditably."
The above quote, as well as the previous battle history of the 169th Infantry Regiment came from the book entitled, "Histories of Two Hundred and Fifty-One Divisions of the German Army Which Participated in the War (1914-1918)" First published in 1920 by the United States War Office as War Department Document No. 905.
Congrats Rich, you have a wonderful piece of Living History!!
Ron
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