Hi Wes and all,
What you have here is what old farts in this game call a "Cigarette gun". After the war ended and the occupation began, German gunsmiths and engravers were, for all intents, out of business as the Allied Occupation Control Comission (or title to that effect) made owning or posessing of a firearm by a German national, 100% illegal (And that is not a sick bird). Everything was turned in, from cross-bows to Panzerfausts. I have a lovely 28 gauge that came from this surrender.
Consequently, American GI's who could legally possess guns, and who loved Lugers, took them to German smiths and engravers who worked magic for a carton of ciggies.
My Father-in-Law, who was with the US Constabulary near Ulm in 1946-48, says that anyone could get the finest engraving and inlays-the customer must provide the gold-at prices ranging from a pack (simple scroll/acorns and oak leaves) to a carton (Highly specialized and chased engraving and inlays, with only the best quality materials used.)
In those heady dys, a pristine Luger brought about $10-15; but a carton of Camels would buy a German family food and shelter for about 2 weeks.
He didn't do guns, instead he did French provencial furniture. The jury is still out, but I think it is going to be a close call.
Stories from one old soldier to another.
Tom A.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />