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

[Don M]

Here are photos of three of the G.K. markings. The width of P08 grip straps is 15 mm so it is possible to scale these photos to get an appproximate size of the characters. My results are:

G.K.59. - Letters 4.2 mm, numerals 2.4 mm
G.K.122. - Letters 4.2 mm, numerals 3.2 mm
G.K.128. - Letters 3.3 mm, numerals 3.3 mm

I suspect the true sizes of the dies were 4.2, 3.1 and 2.1 mm, apparently standard sizes.

Clearly there is some inconsistency in the sizing. Only the G.K.59. marking is consistent with the Prussian specifications. However, I am very reluctant to believe that this marking is from a different organization than the other two. For example, Hessische Polizei (H.P.) markings are found in two sizes, the later markings being larger than the earlier ones.

I also think it is unwise to assume that the G.K.5.74. marking cited in the references suggests that the G.K.74. marking from Jan's list is from the Garde Kürassier. As Jan pointed out, the G.K.5.74. marking first appears in the 1909 Prussian instructions as a "sample" marking and has persisted through several subsequent books. There is no reason to believe that this exact marking appeared on a weapon. Although I don't know the source, the G.K.74. marking is almost certainly real. It is found on a 1914 Erfurt and postdates the instruction by at least five years and probably more like ten. The fact that the weapon numbers are the same is surely a coincidence.