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Unread 08-12-2002, 11:18 PM   #6
Doubs
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Herb, the first three Crown/Letter proofs on the right receiver wall of both Erfurt and DWM will appear to be similar. Each is the military inspection/proving of the pistol. It's the eagle stamp - the one furtherest forward - where you'll note a difference between Erfurt and DWM. The Erfurt eagle will appear to have a wine glass (Bar of Justice)in the left claw and a cross (Cross of Peace) in the right claw. The eagle is looking left and there is a crown above the head. According to Costanzo's illustrations, that is the only type of eagle used by Erfurt. The DWM eagles are noticeably different with one exception. A few examples of an eagle holding the wine glass and cross have been attributed to DWM and supposedly signifies the 7th Hussars but there's no discernable head and close examination shows the crown and tail to be quite different than the Erfurt eagle.

Costanzo also notes that the Erfurt eagle appears on the left side of DWM breechblocks 1915 - 1917 and also on DWM barrels 1916 - 1918. It's a pretty good indication, IMO, that Erfurt produced parts were used by DWM during the war. (I don't believe I've ever read that as being factual so I state it as my opinion.)

In summation, all true Erfurt receivers should have the Erfurt eagle on the right wall. Likewise, DWM receivers should have a DWM eagle of one type or another on the right wall. You shouldn't have any problem telling them apart.
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