Top 10 K�¼ Theories

[Vlim]

This thread was started as the result of a nice discussion on a K�¼ luger.

The K�¼ lugers are a series of lugers that are quite undocumented and therefore initiated quite some discussion about their origin.

Some specifics:
These lugers are Mauser-made, with 41 chamber date codes and BYF or 42 Toggle codes but have a Luftwaffe acceptance stamp. Educated guesses of 3000 - 4000 pieces have been made.

Theory 1:
"Krieghoff assembled them from leftover Mauser parts in order to fullfill the increasing Luftwaffe demands"

This theory has been debunked by mr. Krieghoff himself, in a letter written in 1964 where he declared krieghoff had not used or transferred Mauser-made parts.

Theory 2:
"These Lugers were meant for the coastal squadrons of the Luftwaffe, the K�¼stenfliegerstaffeln"

A nice theory, but unit marking of P08's during WW2 was not common. The German language offers not a lot of workable words that start with K�¼. So although Mauser-made lugers could easily have found their way into Luftwaffe service, it's unlikely that they would have extra stampings.

Theory 3:
"K�¼ depicts a certain ... unit"

Same problem as with Theory 2. Unit marking of P08's was not performed during WW2.

Theory 4:
"K�¼ lugers were meant for service in the Hungarian air force during 1942-1945. K�¼ represents a Hungarian text meaning 'External' or a local rework code. This rework code would identify them as Hungarian state property or would free Mauser from defects (since they were overhauled and/or assembled in Hungary)."

This theory is formed by the presence of Luftwaffe acceptance marks, suggesting that these Mauser-made guns ended up in Luftwaffe use, but also had a need to be marked separately (outside German contract markings). Also the K�¼ lugers date from the same timespan (when official Luger acceptance by the WaA had already halted). A little-known fact is that the Hungarian army supplied troops, including an airforce group to Germany. These troops worked under German command. Hungarian government was not keen, but their army leaders were very pro-German.

Here is a piece from the work "A THOUSAND YEARS OF THE HUNGARIAN ART OF WAR" by Anthony Tihamer Komjathy that illustrates this:

"Hitler, in April (1942, GVV), issued his directives for the Summer of 1942, but he did not inform the Hungarian military leadership about his plans. Against the protest of the Hungarian general staff, he reserved the right to subordinate the Hungarian 2nd army to one of his army group commanders and to use the Hungarian army units as he saw fit.

The army, assembled in Hungary under the command of Colonel-General Gusztav Jany, was comprised of three army corps (with three light divisions each), one armored division, and a mixed airforce regiment. The tanks, armament and equipment for the mechanized forces were provided by the Germans upon payment of eight million pengo."

This equipment that Germany supplied was cheap material. Amongst them some refurbished (used) fighter planes. Hungarian airforce staff in 1940 was about 4300 men, with about 350 aircraft.

Problem with this theory is lack of evidence.