Ok one more ?? about markings on my 1918 Erfurt

...but you'll find that the guys here know all there is to know that is Luger. I am still WAAAY in the beginning phases of understanding this fine side-arm, myself.


Still, look on the toggle mechanism on the top of the pistol, it should have some sort of markings. If it says "Erfurt", it was made in the Royal Ordinance Arsenal in Erfurt, Germany. If it has script-like letters "DWM", then it was made by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionfabriken (spelling?) in Berlin. DWM was the original maker of the Parabellum. If your pistol has S/42 or 42 on the toggle, it was made for WWII use by Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf. (hey...Mauser rifles...now THERES something I am well versed on!)


The East German markings look like a small sunburst with letters or numbers inside. The bakelite (plastic) brown-black grips with bullseyes in the middle are further giveaways to an EG rebuild.


I have no idea what the 888 marking with smaller letters might be on your pistol, but the "Geschert" marking on the frame means "safety" in German. When the pistol is on safety, this word is visible.


Be sure to check the photo gallery and the reference part of this site for a closer look at the mysterious markings on these pistols. Yes, they are intriguing and this site has more info on the Parabellum Pistole than anywhere else I have found.


Good luck and enjoy your Parabellum,


-SA