Eric:
Still have not see the photos and photos of this Luger with the front grip strap depicting the unit marking is the best want to ensure that I have the correct marking. But assuming my unit marking is correct, this is an interesting history.
As I indicated in my first posting, the complete unit destination as the Germans would have categorized it is "Ulanen-Regiment Konig Karl (Wurttembergisches) Nr. 19, 5. Eskadron, Waffe Nr. 10." The "rough" english designation would be 19th Ulan Regiment, 5th Squadron, 10 weapon (pistol). The name Ulan designates this unit as carrying Lances, and is categorized as part of their cavalry unit structure. This unit was founded on 9 July 1683 as a cavalry regiment with its headquarters and its five squadrons in Stuttgart. In 1889, this regiment was relocated with its headquarters, and squadrons 1,2 and 4 to Ulm and squadrons 2 and 5 to Wiblingen and placed under the operational control of the XIII Army Corps that was headquartered in Stuttgart.
At the outbreak of WWI, the 19th Ulan Regiment was assigned to the 27th Infantry Division, XIII Army Corps (Royal Wurttemberg). As the war continued, various squadrons of the 19th Ulans were reassigned to other divisions but the 5th Squadron did remain assigned to the 27th Division for the entire war.
In 1914, as part of the 5th Army (German Crown Prince) was initially engaged in the Battle of Longwy on 22 August 1914. It then crossed the Meuse River and remained in the general Argonne area throughout 1915.
From January to July, 1916, was inline south east of the Ypres salient. During this period, the 27th gained control of the British trenches of Bluff and then lost them. On 2 June, the 27th (and the 26 Div.) attacked the Canadians in the Cillebeke sector and temporarily gained control of what came to be called "Observation Ridge"….a famous Canadian Battle, with both sides experiencing heavy losses. Further pressing the issue, the Canadians regained the ridge.
At the end of July, the 27th (actually the entire XIII Army Corps) was transferred to the Somme front where it remained thru March of 1917. In March, it was sent east of Cambrai/Artois area and, again, experienced heavy fighting/losses and remained there until August/September 1918. During September, 1918, the 27th moved back to the Meuse area and remained there for the war's duration.
The Allies Intelligence attributed the following in describing the 27th Division, "The 27th has always been considered on of the very best German divisions, and its conduct in the fighting during 1918 confirms it rating as a first-class shock unit. It suffered severely, especially in the spring, but not a grab deal later on. Its moves toward the end of the war seem to indicate that it was to form part of the reserve with which the Germans hoped to regain the initiative."
The above historical information was derived primarily from "Histories of Two Hunderd and Fifty-One Divisions of the German Army Which Participated in the War (1914-1918)" first published by the United States War Office in 1920.
Congrats, you have an interesting Luger from a unit with a remarkable history.
Ron
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