Please Help Identify Unit Marking on 1916 DWM

Don M · 04-23-2011, 10:16 PM

Gerben, this goes to show that one is never too old to learn. I was familiar with the i - j ambiguity. As I understood it, the i was generally used when followed by a consonant and the j when followed by a vowel. Of course, this was sort of violated by the use of J. as an abbreviation for Infanterie in military unit marks. Also, the text you reproduced above seems to contradict this.

Your comments regarding the use of a reverse J make me more comfortable that Lj. and L.J.(reversed) were both abbreviations for the same compound word (e.g., Landjägerei or Landes-Jägerei).

I think we have good evidence that the Württemberg Landjägerkorps used the abbreviations you mention. Also, this force had about 600 men, which is consistent with the observed weapon numbers on L.K. marked Mauser M1914s and Reichsrevolvers (HWIS Table 16-2). Of course, we have no examples of P08s with this marking. I assume they had Lugers but know of no documentation confirming this.

I'm beginning to get a headache from all this and think I'll give it a rest.

I hope you and your family have a very Happy Easter.

04-23-2011, 10:16 PM	#21
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	Gerben, this goes to show that one is never too old to learn. I was familiar with the i - j ambiguity. As I understood it, the i was generally used when followed by a consonant and the j when followed by a vowel. Of course, this was sort of violated by the use of J. as an abbreviation for Infanterie in military unit marks. Also, the text you reproduced above seems to contradict this. Your comments regarding the use of a reverse J make me more comfortable that Lj. and L.J.(reversed) were both abbreviations for the same compound word (e.g., Landjägerei or Landes-Jägerei). I think we have good evidence that the Württemberg Landjägerkorps used the abbreviations you mention. Also, this force had about 600 men, which is consistent with the observed weapon numbers on L.K. marked Mauser M1914s and Reichsrevolvers (HWIS Table 16-2). Of course, we have no examples of P08s with this marking. I assume they had Lugers but know of no documentation confirming this. I'm beginning to get a headache from all this and think I'll give it a rest. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Easter. __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com