Unit Mark G.K. on 1914 Erfurt...

[Don M]

Jan, thank you for your recommendation of my book.

Although I have not seen the markiings, I'm inclined to believe that G.K.5.74. is from a Garde Kurassier Regiment because of the existence of a squadron number (5) in the marking. The G.K. markings without this additional designator are almost certainly Hessische Gendarmeriekorps.

As explained in HWIS, the Lugers with G.K. markings on the chambers are all 1908 DWM Commercials and the markings include a crown. In addition, the weapon numbers and serial numbers match, strongly suggesting these markings were factory applied. I believe these were purchased for the Gendarmeriekorps during the Imperial era. The crown probably represents the Grand Duke of Hesse.

The grip strap markings on the other Lugers were probably applied very soon after WWI on military surplused pistols used to arm the expanded Gendarmeriekorps.

[Jan C Still]

Don
The 5.74 (5 squadron, weapon 74, used in the two books below) is not necessarly a real or used example. They are repeated seven times with various similar unit markings examples.
Jan

German Small Arms Markings from authentic sources by Joachim Gortz and Don L. Bryans; page 40: G.K.5.74 signifies Garde Kurassier Regiment, 5 squadron, weapon 74.

HandBuch Deutscher Waffenstempel auf Militar- und Diensthandwaffen 1871-2000; by Albert Wacker and Joachim Gortz; page 31; G.K.5.74 signifies Garde Kurassier Regiment , 5 squadron, weapon 74

[Don M]

Originally Posted by Jan C Still

The 5.74 (5 squadron, weapon 74, used in the two books below) is not necessarly a real or used example.

Good point. I had noticed in the Wacker/Görtz book a tendency to "invent" Weimar police markings based on a combination of abbreviations permitted by the instructions even though no such unit existed. One of several examples is S.Si. listed in Table 5 on p. 295 for the Schupo of Sigmaringen. There was no Schupo presence in Sigmaringen. Perhaps this was also done for Imperial military markings.

[klaus 3338]

Originally Posted by Jan C Still

Don
The 5.74 (5 squadron, weapon 74, used in the two books below) is not necessarly a real or used example. They are repeated seven times with various similar unit markings examples.
Jan

German Small Arms Markings from authentic sources by Joachim Gortz and Don L. Bryans; page 40: G.K.5.74 signifies Garde Kurassier Regiment, 5 squadron, weapon 74.

HandBuch Deutscher Waffenstempel auf Militar- und Diensthandwaffen 1871-2000; by Albert Wacker and Joachim Gortz; page 31; G.K.5.74 signifies Garde Kurassier Regiment , 5 squadron, weapon 74

G.K.5.74 is originally listed in the stamping order from 1909 and was used with the Garde Kürassier Regiment 5. Squadron weapon 74.
I think that such a high number would have issued to a rifle 98 and could not be found on a Luger because 74 Lugers would be too many for a squadron.

I´m with George Anderson and think it could be possible that it is a Police unit mark but I must also say that I do not know if it is really correct.
It may be that Klaus Schad has an idea.

Best regards
Klaus