GDR 'Vopo' new production lugers reunited!

Vlim · 02-14-2015, 08:43 AM

The manufacturer's code is '1001', which is the manufacturer's code for the VEB Ernst Thälmann Werke in Suhl.

Thälmann (named after the former leader of the German communist party) was a conglomeration of metal and arms manufacturing companies around Suhl and Zella-Mehlis and included companies like Simson, Merkel, Haenel (hence 2/1001 on the magazines) and Krieghoff.

Also note the 'Pistole 1001', the Walther PP made under the Thälmann name, for example.

During a restructuring in 1953, Thälmann was subdivided into 5 divisions. Division #2 was Haenel, which could explain the 2/1001 on the magazines (division 2 / company 1001).

The parts are very roughly finished, machine/tool markings are very obvious. The lanyard loop and the stock lug were dropped and several small parts like the side plate and trigger were made from castings.

A nice detail: the firing pins are fluted, but they have 3 flutes arranged as follows: bottom, top, left. The right side of the fin has no flute.

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02-14-2015, 08:43 AM	#10
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,991 Times in 1,205 Posts	The manufacturer's code is '1001', which is the manufacturer's code for the VEB Ernst Thälmann Werke in Suhl. Thälmann (named after the former leader of the German communist party) was a conglomeration of metal and arms manufacturing companies around Suhl and Zella-Mehlis and included companies like Simson, Merkel, Haenel (hence 2/1001 on the magazines) and Krieghoff. Also note the 'Pistole 1001', the Walther PP made under the Thälmann name, for example. During a restructuring in 1953, Thälmann was subdivided into 5 divisions. Division #2 was Haenel, which could explain the 2/1001 on the magazines (division 2 / company 1001). The parts are very roughly finished, machine/tool markings are very obvious. The lanyard loop and the stock lug were dropped and several small parts like the side plate and trigger were made from castings. A nice detail: the firing pins are fluted, but they have 3 flutes arranged as follows: bottom, top, left. The right side of the fin has no flute.