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Garfield · 08-09-2002, 10:43 PM

Luke:

In my opinion, I do not think that the C/RC and the BO stamp are related.

Very, very few DWMs will be found with a C/RC stamp while it is quite commonly found on Erfurt pistols, particularly the 1917s and 18s. I have a 99% 1918 Erfurt on which just about every part is stamped with the C/RC.

There is some disagreement as to what the C/RC signifies. The earlier references state that this stamp indicates that the pistol was returned to the factory for repair/rework/reissue. Later references, Gortz, German Small Arms Markings, for example, feel that the C/RC was stamped on a pistol which contained a part or parts, the acceptability of which was questioned due to a mulitude of reasons, including, but not limited to tolerances, finish, blemish, etc. If the defect/defects were determined not to affect the funtioning of the pistol or to be detrimental to the durability of the questioned part, the pistol would be accepted and the C/RC stamped in the appropriate place thereby releaving the inspector of any further responsibility.

Since but a few Erfurts and DWMs were fitted with BO barrels in 1913/14 when they were constructed it seems highly unlikely that a 1914 pistol would have been returned for repair/rework and and as part of the process been fitted with one of the few BO barrels used to test experimental bullets.

More likely, your pistol, one which contained a questionable part/parts, which was subsequently accepted and stamped with the C/RC, was initially fitted with a BO barrel. Simply that.

Luke, I inadvertantly posted this before I put it into final form so it probably doesn't make much sense. One explanation for the fact that the stamp is common on Erfurts and not on DWMs may be because DWM was a privately owned corp and Erfurt was ran by the govt. There is no question that DWM was held to tighter standards than Erfurt. DWM's govt contaract called for replacement of all questionable parts. If The C/RC indicates a return for factory rework/repair why do we so seldom see it on DWM pistols and if this is what it signifies why is it stamped on just about every part of an Erfurt pistol that was made very near the end of the war and would not have been returned to the factory for repair or refitting?

Don't know the answers to these questions but still don't think that the stamp on your pistol indicates a rework or repair,or, if it does, it did not include replacement with a BO barrel. For what it is worth: I have a 1914 and a 1913 dated DWM with BO barrels, neither have C/RC stamps on the trigger guard.

I apologise for the for drafting of this response. Just hit the wrong button.

Regards

08-09-2002, 10:43 PM	#8
Garfield User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A little SE of Nome Posts: 239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Luke: In my opinion, I do not think that the C/RC and the BO stamp are related. Very, very few DWMs will be found with a C/RC stamp while it is quite commonly found on Erfurt pistols, particularly the 1917s and 18s. I have a 99% 1918 Erfurt on which just about every part is stamped with the C/RC. There is some disagreement as to what the C/RC signifies. The earlier references state that this stamp indicates that the pistol was returned to the factory for repair/rework/reissue. Later references, Gortz, German Small Arms Markings, for example, feel that the C/RC was stamped on a pistol which contained a part or parts, the acceptability of which was questioned due to a mulitude of reasons, including, but not limited to tolerances, finish, blemish, etc. If the defect/defects were determined not to affect the funtioning of the pistol or to be detrimental to the durability of the questioned part, the pistol would be accepted and the C/RC stamped in the appropriate place thereby releaving the inspector of any further responsibility. Since but a few Erfurts and DWMs were fitted with BO barrels in 1913/14 when they were constructed it seems highly unlikely that a 1914 pistol would have been returned for repair/rework and and as part of the process been fitted with one of the few BO barrels used to test experimental bullets. More likely, your pistol, one which contained a questionable part/parts, which was subsequently accepted and stamped with the C/RC, was initially fitted with a BO barrel. Simply that. Luke, I inadvertantly posted this before I put it into final form so it probably doesn't make much sense. One explanation for the fact that the stamp is common on Erfurts and not on DWMs may be because DWM was a privately owned corp and Erfurt was ran by the govt. There is no question that DWM was held to tighter standards than Erfurt. DWM's govt contaract called for replacement of all questionable parts. If The C/RC indicates a return for factory rework/repair why do we so seldom see it on DWM pistols and if this is what it signifies why is it stamped on just about every part of an Erfurt pistol that was made very near the end of the war and would not have been returned to the factory for repair or refitting? Don't know the answers to these questions but still don't think that the stamp on your pistol indicates a rework or repair,or, if it does, it did not include replacement with a BO barrel. For what it is worth: I have a 1914 and a 1913 dated DWM with BO barrels, neither have C/RC stamps on the trigger guard. I apologise for the for drafting of this response. Just hit the wrong button. Regards