[ithacaartist]

Larry,

Thanks for the Erma overview! If you don't mind, I'll flesh it out a little and include a correction... I was excited to see the LUR-produced pistol, and am curious as to what was improved in quality. N*1 is the Spanish date code for 1968.

The early Erma .22s applied the classic P.08 profile to their design. They were a combination of the blow-back, "Old Model" of 1936 (pic) and the toggle action found in their .22 conversion kits for the P.08. They are constructed almost entirely of cast Zamak, a zinc alloy. The barrel liner, breech block, and internals were steel. The alloy mimics the weight/density of steel, so the La and Ep-22s weigh about the same as an original Parabellum.

The KGP series was designed to maintain their "Luger-y" look, but in downsized configuration. The KGP 69--the .22 lr model--about 80%, and the KGP 68As--.32/.380--about 2/3-70%. They are not entirely steel construction, however. The grip frames (basically, the gun) and the trigger are still cast Zamak! You'll commonly find barrel lengths of either 3 1/2" or 4", but I once saw a 6" version of the KGP 69 that was quite handsome! In Europe, the blank/teargas/pepper spray-firing KGP 690 (one of my holy grails) can be found, in a modified 8mmK chambering.

The Ep-22, or "Navy Model" is basically an Ep-22 that was glorified by a 12" barrel with a cheesy, adjustable rear sight, also a bare rear toggle, similar to what you'd find an an Artillery Luger. Although 10,000 of these were made, it carries a mystique of being rare and pricey. You'll see a handful of them on Gunbroker at any given time, but they actually sell--when they sell-- for much less than the $800-1,200 that is usually asked for them.

Your pistols are both relatively early examples of their models, and the KGP 68A is in extra-nice shape due to the lack of blackening on the front corners of the frame. You're also extremely fortunate that it sports a pair of rosewood grips such as one would encounter on a Beeman-branded versions the good Dr. Airgun imported and distributed around the late 80s/early 90s. The original grips from the factory were removed and the artisan-made rosewood grips installed instead before they were sold. Nice, because I hate the plastic ones with the thumb rest! On the left sides of the frames, you'll find a shield-shaped stamps with 2-digit numbers within. This is the year of manufacture's last 2 digits.

There is a book that was written about Erma's history and production, and it's due out soon--last I heard--in German. The English version is slated to follow in another year or two... Holger Schlemeier, From Belgium, is its author. Erma-Werke was founded in the early 20s, and beyond the conversion kits for the P.08 and 98k, they also produced some 98k rifles, the MP40, and various flare guns. We will find out if I am correct when the book comes out!

I've fiddled with Erma toggle pistols for several years, now, and have a stash of most parts for them, which I sell on Gunbroker. If you need something, I'd likely be able and willing to help, with a forum discount, of course!