Red nine grips

RalphH · 05-28-2007, 11:20 PM

Greetings, Gentlemen,

Didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I started a new one.

George, do these resemble the grips on your 1917 LP08?

As far as I can tell, the grips are original. Is there a strong possibility the "9" was mistakenly carved in by a field armorer during the early days of this pistol? In other words, do you think they are authentic. There is always the possibility it was done much later, though I don't quite understand why. Comments and opinions, please.

George Anderson · 05-29-2007, 01:19 AM

The nines on LP08 grips are, to my knowledge, only found on 1917 dated pistols. Apparently the irons used to burn the nines were probably made at the battalion or regimental level. Most that I have seen look alot like yours but some differ in size and shape.

It is widely accepted that the nines in LP08 grips were the result of unit level confusion raised by a directive regarding the new 9mm C96 pistols which were being issued in large quantities. At the same time the broomhandles were reaching units in the field (1917) a great flood of new LP08's were being delivered to Infantry regiments for the first time.

RalphH · 05-29-2007, 07:58 PM

Thanks for the info, George. Appreciate it.

Edward Tinker · 06-01-2007, 11:04 AM

photos posted for Geo

05-28-2007, 11:20 PM	#1
RalphH User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 41 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Red nine grips Greetings, Gentlemen, Didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I started a new one. George, do these resemble the grips on your 1917 LP08? As far as I can tell, the grips are original. Is there a strong possibility the "9" was mistakenly carved in by a field armorer during the early days of this pistol? In other words, do you think they are authentic. There is always the possibility it was done much later, though I don't quite understand why. Comments and opinions, please. __________________ Regards, Ralph Boy, I love these old guns.....

05-29-2007, 07:58 PM	#3
RalphH User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 41 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the info, George. Appreciate it. __________________ Regards, Ralph Boy, I love these old guns.....

06-01-2007, 11:04 AM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,992 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	photos posted for Geo __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

05-29-2007, 01:19 AM	#2
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,527 Times in 786 Posts	The nines on LP08 grips are, to my knowledge, only found on 1917 dated pistols. Apparently the irons used to burn the nines were probably made at the battalion or regimental level. Most that I have seen look alot like yours but some differ in size and shape. It is widely accepted that the nines in LP08 grips were the result of unit level confusion raised by a directive regarding the new 9mm C96 pistols which were being issued in large quantities. At the same time the broomhandles were reaching units in the field (1917) a great flood of new LP08's were being delivered to Infantry regiments for the first time.