1914 Erfurt Dilemma

drbuster · 08-04-2002, 01:09 PM

This has bothered me for some time: Jan Still (Page 41 of Imperial Lugers) states that 4" P.08's were few in number (7000) and serialed (reported) 504-9448b range. My Erfurt 1914 is all matching, including grips and clip and is numbered 9912q, yes, definitely "q". Also on Ralph's latest list there is an Erfurt 1914 numbered 5523r (page 3, #32-6040). It is my theory that Jan Still was talking about PRE-WAR models, with an unrelieved sear, with or wothout stock lugs. When the war broke out, the Germans were moving towards Liege, Antwerp and on to Mons and hopefully, they hoped, Paris. Full war production began and after August 1914 many thousands of 1914 dated Erfurts were produced with relieved sear bars. All of you with 1914 Erfurts, please check those serials and report back so Jan Still (If I'm right) can update his data. Actually, I'm certain he knows all this already!

08-04-2002, 01:09 PM	#1
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	1914 Erfurt Dilemma This has bothered me for some time: Jan Still (Page 41 of Imperial Lugers) states that 4" P.08's were few in number (7000) and serialed (reported) 504-9448b range. My Erfurt 1914 is all matching, including grips and clip and is numbered 9912q, yes, definitely "q". Also on Ralph's latest list there is an Erfurt 1914 numbered 5523r (page 3, #32-6040). It is my theory that Jan Still was talking about PRE-WAR models, with an unrelieved sear, with or wothout stock lugs. When the war broke out, the Germans were moving towards Liege, Antwerp and on to Mons and hopefully, they hoped, Paris. Full war production began and after August 1914 many thousands of 1914 dated Erfurts were produced with relieved sear bars. All of you with 1914 Erfurts, please check those serials and report back so Jan Still (If I'm right) can update his data. Actually, I'm certain he knows all this already!