All this made me get out the LP08, Lugers at Random and Gerards Luger Producers.
The serial number places it in the middle of the range for LP08 1914 model by Erfurt.
The frame has the following markings:
4 digit S/N 96XX without a letter.
The front of the grip strap has what at first appear to be indistinct cross hatching. A 10X loupe show them to be several incomplete rows of dashes running the length of the strap.
There also looks like what could be lettering that was machined out. It also could just be some random machine marks. I cannot tell.
The front of the trigger guard has an Erfurt crown over a symbol that I cannot make out but may be a combined RC.
The barrel and receiver assembly has the following marks:
The left front of the receiver has a post 1920 nitro proof (#28 in Lugers at Random).
The right front is marked "Germany".
The barrel has the same nitro proof and a perfectly aligned single strike witness mark.
The left side of the receiver also has a post 1920 nitro proof stamp.
The projection on the bottom of the receiver has a circled N on it. To the left of the projection is a V and to the right is an O as you look at it upside down with the barrel pointing away from you.
It has a rear sight that goes up to 8 on its scale. The front sight is a typical Luger sight with no fine adjustment screw.
The front toggle link has an Erfurt crown over the word Erfurt.
The safety is stamped Gesichert.
It seems to match page 185 in Lugers at Random for a 1920 Artillery Commercial.
All in all, it is an interesting gun and most importantly, it is MY artillery.
|