Pete,
* Jim's post has been the prevailing explaination offered for the "missing Luger j block" examples. It may very well be correct.
* However, another "j" block 1917 Erfurt P.08 showed up, complete with pictures, in Jan Still's Ctrl Pwrs & Axis Pistols Forum. Thread was by Shelly entitled " 'J' suffix serial number" around 12/29/02. A 73xx j example. Hope the digitals are still there.
* Also, another respected (AutoMag), Erfurt S/N hunter reported a 1916 Erfurt in the "j" block.
* "j" block's may be questionable for P.08's; but, a number of P.38's & M98k's, employing the "J" suffix, have been verified. Reference Buxton, Vol.I & R. Law's "Backbone....M98k". We certainly don't see Mauser Military P.08's with a "j" suffix though as none are yet reported.
* Anyway, IMHO, schools not out yet on this interesting question. As we've learned, when it comes to P.08's, "Never say Never"!!
Bob
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