Unit Markings

ks114 · 06-20-2013, 10:13 AM

Hi all, I just joined the group, and have a couple of questions.
First, what are these unit markings? My pistol is a 1912 DWM, all matching except mag.

Second, does anyone have any history of this unit (battles, famous people, etc).

I can't seem to get the pic of the grip strap, so here goes:

B.21 R.11 K 1a

Appears to have been remarked, as I can see "MG" under the "11.K"
Thanks in advance, Steve

ks114 · 06-20-2013, 10:20 AM

Look like there is a forum for this subject. Sorry!

George Anderson · 06-20-2013, 10:44 AM

The initial marking indicates Bavarian 21st Infantry Regiment, 11th Company. The MG and 1a would indicate that it was subsequently assigned the 1st machinegun detachment. The ist detachment interpretation is speculation on my part.

mrerick · 06-20-2013, 12:57 PM

Hi Steve, and welcome to the forum.

Many of these earlier Lugers went into Bavaria.

This should get you started on the Bavarian history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/III_Royal_Bavarian_Corps

roadkill1 · 06-20-2013, 09:16 PM

The Bavarian 21st Infantry Regiment was organic to the 5th Bavarian Division, part of the 3rd Bavarian Corps, of the 6th Army (Crown Prince Ruprecht of Bavaria) and remained so from 1914 through 1918. Battle history: 1914 - fought in Lorraine, Woevre; 1915 fought in Champagne and Woevre; 1916 fought in Artois, Somme; 1917 fought in Artois, Belgium and Flanders; and, in 1918 fought in the Battle of Picardy and Battle of the Somme. In 1918, the British rated this division as First Class.

Your Luger has an excellent history behind it!!! Congrats.

Ron

Ron Wood · 06-20-2013, 10:45 PM

The "1a" is a bit different. Usually the last digit is a property number and I haven't seen one with a suffix.

ks114 · 06-20-2013, 11:09 PM

Wow! Thanks for the history. If I can figure out how to load pics, I'll take some.
It's in real good shape, considering its age. It doesn't have the hold open device.
Not a bad piece for $500.00 (1983 dollars)

06-20-2013, 10:13 AM	#1
ks114 New User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Unit Markings Hi all, I just joined the group, and have a couple of questions. First, what are these unit markings? My pistol is a 1912 DWM, all matching except mag. Second, does anyone have any history of this unit (battles, famous people, etc). I can't seem to get the pic of the grip strap, so here goes: B.21 R.11 K 1a Appears to have been remarked, as I can see "MG" under the "11.K" Thanks in advance, Steve

06-20-2013, 12:57 PM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,919 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Hi Steve, and welcome to the forum. Many of these earlier Lugers went into Bavaria. This should get you started on the Bavarian history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/III_Royal_Bavarian_Corps __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

06-20-2013, 10:45 PM	#6
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,035 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	The "1a" is a bit different. Usually the last digit is a property number and I haven't seen one with a suffix. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

06-20-2013, 10:20 AM	#2
ks114 New User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Look like there is a forum for this subject. Sorry!

06-20-2013, 10:44 AM	#3
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	The initial marking indicates Bavarian 21st Infantry Regiment, 11th Company. The MG and 1a would indicate that it was subsequently assigned the 1st machinegun detachment. The ist detachment interpretation is speculation on my part.

06-20-2013, 09:16 PM	#5
roadkill1 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Posts: 127 Thanks: 166 Thanked 129 Times in 63 Posts	The Bavarian 21st Infantry Regiment was organic to the 5th Bavarian Division, part of the 3rd Bavarian Corps, of the 6th Army (Crown Prince Ruprecht of Bavaria) and remained so from 1914 through 1918. Battle history: 1914 - fought in Lorraine, Woevre; 1915 fought in Champagne and Woevre; 1916 fought in Artois, Somme; 1917 fought in Artois, Belgium and Flanders; and, in 1918 fought in the Battle of Picardy and Battle of the Somme. In 1918, the British rated this division as First Class. Your Luger has an excellent history behind it!!! Congrats. Ron

06-20-2013, 11:09 PM	#7
ks114 New User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wow! Thanks for the history. If I can figure out how to load pics, I'll take some. It's in real good shape, considering its age. It doesn't have the hold open device. Not a bad piece for $500.00 (1983 dollars)